In this article
A more complete picture of tidal dynamics in the Singapore and Malacca Straits
It’s been three years since we released the Singapore and Malacca Straits 800m high resolution tidal model. This model benefits vessels using route and speed optimisation systems in this busy stretch of water by taking advantage of accurate tidal speed, direction and height data to create bunkerage savings.
We’ve now updated this model to incorporate the influences of weather – wind and atmospheric pressure – and ocean surface height differences across the model region. This is a very important step since the monsoon in South East Asia has a profound effect on the ocean dynamics in the region, creating, in effect, a slope across the model region with persistent high water one side of the Straits and low water on the other.
On average, between December and March, the north east monsoon creates an east to west slope with resulting enhancement of westerly current in Singapore Strait and north westerly flowing current in Malacca Strait of between 0.5kt to 1kt. Between April and November, the south west monsoon creates a west to east slope with resulting enhancement of easterly current in Singapore Strait and south easterly current in Malacca Strait of between 0kt to 0.3kn.
Our upgraded model now combines these effects with the underlying tidal dynamics. The result is a tide-surge forecast – the most accurate possible simulation of actual conditions.
Related blog articles
Tidetech in Port Technology International: bringing water forecasting into port planning
Tidetech’s Penny Haire and Seb Mancini speak with Port Technology International about how high-resolution water-level and surface-current forecasts can help ports plan vessel movements with greater confidence, from S-100 trials to just-in-time operations.
S-100 gains momentum — what’s driving adoption, and what’s still missing
S-100 is gaining real momentum, though plenty of work remains before it becomes the global standard it's designed to be. We look at where progress stands, and the gaps still to close.
S-100 is a team effort — why hydrographic data standards depend on industry collaboration
S-100 adoption depends on more than standards alone. From data pipelines and validation to real-world testing, Tidetech explores why collaboration between hydrographic offices, technology providers and data specialists is essential to making S-100 work at scale.