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 A key to a successful, safe voyage is proper planning. Planning, however, is a challenge in an industry in which variables such as weather, winds, and sea conditions frequently change. To overcome that challenge, AWT draws on vast historical data, applies state of the art technology, and takes advantage of the depth of its experience in meteorology and route planning. |
| In the feature article in this month’s AWT Insights, you will get a glimpse of how our clients who route sensitive cargo take advantage of AWT’s resources. |
| Feel free to email us your comments and stories. We welcome your feedback. |
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Skip Vaccarello |
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| Specialized Requests Require AWT’s Experts to Use 10-Year Historical Weather Data |
| By George Schlinkert, VP of Operations |
 What does the tagline, “Fleet Optimization Experts” imply? Certainly, it covers the gamut of pre-voyage planning, optimal weather routing for time and safety, optimal weather routing for minimum fuel consumption, post voyage reports and support for arbitration. Given our diverse client base, we get a wide variety of unique requests, and AWT can provide the support for their specialized requirements. |
| Historical Weather Data |
| In the below example, it can be clearly seen when any tropical storms or hurricanes have affected the Bay of Campeche in a 10-year period. |
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| Similarly, for any ocean point, we analyze data to determine the likelihood of specific weather or wave parameters. In the following graph, AWT’s fleet optimization experts provided our client with specific information regarding maximum wave heights by month for a specific location. The same data can be prepared for significant wave heights as well as average and maximum winds. The direction of these events can be presented as well. |
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| The above data is vitally important when planning the movements of sensitive cargo and can be presented in tabular format as well to reveal more detailed information. In addition, AWT utilizes this data when “hindcasting” or reviewing the specific events of historical weather conditions. |
| Just looking at the weather forecast is not enough when moving sensitive cargo; it requires expert analysis to review probabilities and make the right recommendation to ensure safe passage. |
| Hurricane Preparedness Week May 23 |
| AWT’s fleet optimization experts are preparing for tropical storm season, closely analyzing satellite pictures, monitoring sea surface temperature data and reviewing forecasts. Hurricane season in the Atlantic begins June 1 and runs through November 30; however, that does not preclude storms from forming outside of the published season. |
| The Eastern Pacific hurricane season starts May 15 and the central Pacific season starts June 1. Typhoon season in the western Pacific runs through the end of the year. AWT has learned that it is expected to be a heavy year for the Atlantic, but it is expected to be a light year in the Pacific. Hurricane Preparedness Week in the U.S. is May 23-29, 2010. |
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| BonVoyage System |
| Marine voyage optimization system provides 24/7 on-board weather… |
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| BonVoyage System & Ship Routing |
| The combination of BonVoyage System & AWT's ship routing services… |
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| Fleet Management |
| Quickly monitor your fleet & ensure they are operating efficiently & safely… |
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| Ship Routing – Earliest Arrival |
| Our weather routing experts recommend the optimum route analyzing… |
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| Ship Routing – Fuel Optimization |
| Improve schedule integrity & minimize fleet's fuel consumption… |
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| Tracking/Polling |
| Tracking & automated satellite position polling service locates vessels… |
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| Offshore Support |
| Pre-departure route planning & forecasting en-route… |
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| Arbitration Support & |
| Forensic Studies |
| AWT has prepared numerous reports for use in arbitration & legal venues… |
| more > |
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| AWT (www.awtworldwide.com) is the leading provider of fleet optimization services, ship routing services and onboard voyage management software to ship owners, operators and charterers seeking the safest and most efficient routes for their fleets. Unlike companies that provide weather services for multiple industries, or companies which only offer onboard weather software, AWT is staffed by world-renown experts in ship routing, meteorology, IT, maritime science and former mariners who are focused solely on the maritime industry. Using the most sophisticated technology available, AWT routes more ships per month than any other company. Its superior customer service and integrity have made AWT the most trusted fleet optimization provider in the maritime industry. Founded in 1996, AWT is privately held and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California with worldwide offices located in the UK, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Korea, Germany, New York, and New Jersey. More information is available at www.awtworldwide.com or by calling 1-408-731-8600. |
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