ABPmer launches satellite data project (POCOHONTAZ)

ABP Marine Environmental Research (ABPmer) has been awarded a contract by the European Space Agency (ESA) to examine how earth observation (EO) data collected by satellites might be used in the management of shipping. 

ESA is seeking to expand EO service capabilities into market sectors for which there is currently little or no established EO business. ABPmer in association with BMT ARGOSS in the Netherlands, will undertake research to determine how EO data can complement or improve upon existing data sources.  

Bill Cooper, ABPmer Director, said “As a company interested in maximising the use of data for decision making purposes, we are excited to be working once again on an EO project. 

Some port authorities have used Earth Observation based services as input to Environmental Impact Assessments and a small number of ports use derived data for routine monitoring.  However, no operational agreements are in place at the present time. Previous studies have considered the potential for using EO data for environmental monitoring of ports and harbours but little is known on its applicability for maritime safety and shipping risk assessments.  By working with Vessel Traffic Services and Port Authorities from the UK and the Netherlands we will assess the feasibility of harbour authorities using EO based geo-information.”

The new project called POCAHONTAZ (Port and Coastal High Resolution Traffic Safety Zones) builds on EOMD LHEON, a previous satellite data project that both ABPmer and BMT ARGOSS were involved in, which set out to quantify the information requirements of port and harbour authorities and to determine the extent to which EO data could be of assistance.

Enquiries:
Tracey Hewett, ABPmer Communications
Tel: 02380 711840