Long term port monitoring system (PMS)

Abstract

NIOT has developed and operated a Port Monitoring System (PMS) at Gujarat Pipavav Port Limited (GPPL) to measure tide and current on real time. PMS consists of a pressure based tide gauge and a Horizontal Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (H-ADCP) installed at 5 m depth w.r.t Chart Datum (CD). Tide, current speed and direction are measured and transmitted to NIOT server in real time and data is presented through web application after quality check (QC). The success and high utility of the data at GPPL has resulted in requests for similar installations in other ports (Mundra, Dahej, Hazira, Vizhinjam, Dhamra and IGCAR) which enabled NIOT to expand the PMS network. The system can be used with different communication links like GPRS, UHF and INSAT. Using GPRS link, the sensors can be configured remotely to change the sampling regime and communication interval. Being a modular design, the PMS has an option for integrating more sensors for met-ocean and water quality parameters depending on site or study specific requirement. The paper discusses the basic architecture, options that can be built and the experience gained during development, installation and operation in various site conditions.