HELCOM project to further integrate Seatrack Web oil drift forecasting system with existing information systems (AIS, satellite imagery) for better law enforcement (HELCOM STW/AIS/SAT) (2007-2008)

Background:

The HELCOM Seatrack Web oil drift forecasting system with integrated information from Automatic Identification System (HELCOM STW/AIS) proved to be a very effective tool substantially increasing the possibilities to identify ships suspected of illegally discharging oil into the sea. In the STW/AIS ship tracks from the AIS are combined with a backward calculation of the oil drift forecasting system.

In order to serve its purpose to the fullest possible extend further development of STW/AIS and integration with other information systems is needed.

Aims:

The main aim of the HELCOM STW/AIS/SAT Project is to improve the likelihood of identification of polluters by improving AIS functionality and integrating satellite imagery information into the tool.

Actions:

-   Simplifications in handling and improving of the efficiency of analysing the AIS information in relation to backtracking simulation based on suggestions from users.

-   Development of an interface to make it possible to add manually the data from the log books when the ship track data is missing because of no AIS signal.

-   Pre-feasibility study on technical solutions on how to integrate satellite surveillance information into the STW/AIS.

-   Entering discussions with MarCoast project and EMSA (CleanSeaNet service provider) concerning the integration of satellite information with STW/AIS (checking data formats, efficient integration in STW’s interface, addressing formal questions, etc.).

-   Incorporation of satellite information into the system as GIS layers with the time of every satellite picture given in order to compare with the AIS data. It will also make the time period of the backtracking as short as possible in order to have fewer ships to investigate. The satellite information will be kept in the system during a couple of days in order to use the data during a longer time period. It also gives side information, such as e.g. the exact shape of the slick (the age) or a track in the slick showing that a ship has passed through the slick at a certain time.

-   Working out technical solutions in order to make it possible to receive satellite information in other formats or transmission systems (than MarCoast and CleanSeaNet), if needed.

Contacts:

Project Manager: Cecilia Ambjörn
Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute
SE-60 176 Norrköping
Sweden
Tel: +46 (11) 4958174
E-mail: cecilia.ambjorn@smhi.se