Australia: Ports Authority recognised for hydrographic excellence
Pilbara Ports Authority’s Tidal Model Project has won the Hydrographic Excellence Award 2017 from the Surveying and Spatial Science Institute’s Hydrographic Commission.
In 2012, PPA started the tidal study project at Port Hedland, which resulted in a redefined lowest astronomical tide model or hydroid unique to Port Hedland channel. This enabled extra depth availability in the channel, increasing the average draft of bulk carriers up to 71cm, thereby allowing them to carry more cargo. According to PPA, every 10cm of draft equals about 1200 tonnes of extra cargo per vessel.
The redefinition has also extended the available sailing period by 30 minutes, allowing more vessels at every high tide.