OMC International’s Dynamic Under Keel Clearance (DUKC)
system is being rolled out by the Port Authority of New South Wales. The
technology is being used at the ports of Botany, Newcastle and Kembla.
Port Authority of NSW’s Sydney and Botany Harbour Master,
Myron Fernandes said the system is a game changer for port pilots.
“The DUKC system provides them with near real-time data,
taking account of a number of variables, including the height of tide, the
speed of the ship, the ship’s manoeuvrability, tidal streams and the dynamic
motions of the vessel – all essential information used by our highly trained
team of marine pilots when manoeuvring these vessels within port waters.”
OMC International’s CEO, Peter O’Brien, said: “It is to our
great pleasure to be working with Port Authority of NSW to supply our latest
generation DUKC to their ports of Newcastle and Port Kembla.
“We are also very excited to be working with Port Authority
of NSW at Port Botany to deliver the most advanced UKC management technologies
for this vitally important port, where DUKC will be used to safely optimise the
visiting deep draft container and tanker vessels."
Fernandes said the new contract provides UKC calculations,
system implementation, ongoing maintenance and support, quality assurances and
data management processes for all large commercial vessels at the three ports.