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Skip Vaccarello At AWT we take into consideration many factors when we recommend routes for ships. In this issue of AWT Insights, our authors Mike Delman and George Schlinkert look at two very important conditions that can have a profound effect on voyages – El Niño and tropical cyclones. I encourage you to read these articles closely. You will likely gain valuable information that will help you better understand the reasons for recommended routes. Enjoy your reading. We welcome your feedback. Thank you, Skip Vaccarello   Mike Delman Preparing for El Niño by Mike Delman El Niño refers to an anomalous warming of ocean waters across the eastern and central equatorial Pacific Ocean. The onset of El Niño has an immediate impact on atmospheric circulation patterns, which ultimately result in changes to regional and local weather on a global scale. These changes have an immediate, profound impact on the shipping industry. Typically, the warmest sea surface temperatures of the tropical Pacific Ocean are located near the Australian and Indonesian subcontinents in what is referred to as the West Pacific Warm Pool. However, every two to seven years, westerly wind bursts force this warm water pool to shift eastward during late boreal spring or early summer. As a result, cooler than normal ocean waters up well across the tropical west Pacific while the eastern tropical Pacific warms, causing an increase in atmospheric pressure in the west and a decrease in the east. These changes in sea surface temperatures result in alterations to the tropical cyclone season throughout the world’s oceans. The effects of El Niño on shipping can be far-reaching and can include anomalies such as … read more >   George Schlinkert Tropical Cyclone Effect on the Monsoon Winds Over the South China Sea by George Schlinkert Yearly, questions arise from our clients regarding the Northeast monsoons that affect the South and East China Seas during the autumn and winter seasons. Confusion starts in October and November when the speeds of vessels that are not particularly close to the stated wind fields of a tropical cyclone are greatly reduced. Charterers believe the ship must be underperforming and the profits from the voyage are being greatly diminished or negated. In one such instance, the cyclone bulletin from the Japanese Meteorological Agency stated that at 05/1200Z Severe Tropical Cyclone Peipah was at 17.8N 118.8E moving west slowly. 50 knot winds prevailed within 40NM, while 30 knot winds prevailed within 150NM (2.5 degrees) in the north semicircle. The following image shows an example of such a situation: Tropical Storm Peipah, VT: 05 Nov 2007 1200z Blue Windbarbs, QuikSCAT Winds, VT:0945z-1015z Was the forecast agency in error? The answer is “no,” but the user of this information needs to understand what the numbers mean. When discussing the radius of cyclonic winds, the bulletins are discussing the winds that are in direct circulation around the cyclone.… read more >

BonVoyage System Marine voyage optimization system provides 24/7 on-board weather… more > BonVoyage System & Ship Routing The combination of BonVoyage System & AWT's ship routing services… more > Fleet Management Quickly monitor your fleet & ensure they are operating efficiently & safely… more > Ship Routing – Earliest Arrival Our weather routing experts recommend the optimum route analyzing… more > Ship Routing – Fuel Optimization Improve schedule integrity & minimize fleet's fuel consumption… more > Tracking/Polling Tracking & automated satellite position polling service locates vessels… more > Offshore Support Pre-departure route planning & forecasting en-route… more > Arbitration Support & Forensic Studies AWT has prepared numerous reports for use in arbitration & legal venues… more > 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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