Asia/Pacific News
New Web Based Singapore/Malacca Straits Tidal Model Released
Tidetech, a company that develops electronic models for bunker fuel saving ocean navigation, says it has released a new version of tidal models for the Singapore and Malacca Straits that users can access from any internet browser or mobile device.
Tidetech says the "entry-level" version of its models provides tidal current predictions at a 1-kilometer resolution for every 30 minutes, and includes latitude and longitude, place names, shipping lanes, and a scale showing current speed in knots.
The data can also be downloaded as a PDF or printed prior to sailing.
"This is a region that experiences very high traffic density and is faced with complex tides that have a significant effect on passage time and fuel consumption," said managing director Penny Haire.
"There are thousands of ships that don't fully realise the [fuel and efficiency] savings to [be] made with accurate tidal current data, largely because it hasn't previously been available."
The company announced the release of a more complex version of the models capable of being integrated into ship navigation systems in September 2012.
Although the browser-based version is less powerful, Haire said it offers detailed information inexpensively.
