Port of Brisbane and DHI have been awarded the Innovative Support Services award for their Nonlinear Channel Optimisation Simulator (NCOS) system at the Dredging and Port Construction (DPC) Innovation Awards 2017, held in London.
The highly coveted award comes just two weeks after the Port of Brisbane was named the 2017 Australian Port of the Year.
The DPC Innovation Awards recognise the most innovative and forward-thinking projects in the dredging and port construction sectors.
Developed by Port of Brisbane and DHI, NCOS Online is world-leading software that provides a seven-day detailed forecast of a vessel’s under keel clearances (UKC) and environmental conditions with a web interface, allowing for dynamic vessel scheduling.
Port of Brisbane (PBPL) CEO, Roy Cummins, said the port was proud to be recognised for its innovative approach to building port capacity and unlocking supply chain value for customers.
“Together, Port of Brisbane and DHI used the Port’s 90km shipping channel as a ‘living laboratory’ to develop NCOS Online – the world’s most advanced UKC technology,” Mr Cummin said.
“NCOS Online is the only vessel UKC forecast system in the world to have the same high level of accuracy as a Full Mission Bridge Ship Simulator.
“Its introduction means we can more safely and accurately determine the UKC required to cater for larger vessels, providing safety and flexibility benefits for customers, and reducing the need for additional, expensive dredging.
“Delivering NCOS in partnership with DHI means we are delivering on the needs of our customers, which is our highest priority.
“We’ve also worked closely with other key stakeholders to trial and implement the technology, in particular Martime Safety Queensland (Regional Harbour Master) and Brisbane Marine Pilots – without their support this would not have been possible.”
DHI Project Lead, Simon Mortensen, said NCOS Online combines state-of-the-art technology with decades of operational port experience, and leverages the ability to do quick field trials to ensure an accurate and reliable operational solution.
By incorporating forecast and real-time environmental data, vessel specifications and transit information, NCOS Online allows vessels of all classes to maximise its cargo and sailing windows while maintaining optimal safety.
The software’s easy-to-use interface is tailored to accommodate the specific requirements of the multiple user groups including the Harbour Master, VTS, pilots and port operations.
It enables more accurate vessel traffic (including UKC) models capable of increasing utilisation of the shipping channel, and is compatible with any vessel design and size.
NCOS Online was used in October 2017 to welcome the 9500TEU vessel, the Susan Maersk – the largest container vessel to call at the port.
The live system has been operational at the Port of Brisbane since 1st August 2017.
