A predictive software tool could help manage traffic and facility usage at one of the biggest ports in the UK. Computer modelling, which analyses forecasts of port usage and resources, is being developed to assist the Port of Milford Haven. The programme will help anticipate and adapt services and facilities to meet the changing demands made on the Milford Haven Waterway.
The complex natural harbour at Milford Haven is vital to the UK economy. Efficient management of the multiple demands on the waterway is critical for both the commercial success of the port and the safety of multiple users.
That importance has been recognised by government-backed agencies, that are collaborating with the port. They’re developing systems that will optimise the industrial capacity in hand with the environmental sensitivity of the area.
Energy trade and landbridge
Milford Haven is primarily known as a principal UK port for the delivery of bulk energy cargo, typically crude oil and LNG. The port typically handles around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas.
However, the scale and complexity of the port is less well understood. It stretches over 20 miles (32km) of the Milford Haven Waterway, making it the third biggest port in the UK. It handles around 2000 commercial vessels every year.
The port is also a commercially important connection between the Republic of Ireland and the UK. The ro-ro ferry service provides a landbridge for commercial vehicles between southwest Wales and Rosslare in the south of Ireland.
The work is being funded by the Industry Impact Fund of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). It is being undertaken in partnership with the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Hartree Centre and will undertake data analysis, programming and machine learning capability to support capacity planning via the development of a modelling tool and user-friendly interface. This work will help decision-making and be used for strategic planning of port resources.
Integral part of strategic future planning
The collaboration places the Port of Milford Haven alongside some of the most technologically advanced agencies in the UK, it is claimed.
“We’re excited to work with the Port of Milford Haven on this project to demonstrate the value that digital technologies like supercomputing and data science can have on transport and logistics,” said Louis Rowland, Business Development Executive at the STFC Hartree Centre. “This is a prime example of how cutting-edge technology can drive impactful change in critical sectors.”
The Industry Impact Fund (I2F) is designed to support UK industry through access to STFC facilities and scientific expertise.
“This work is an integral part of our strategic future planning activities,” said Tam Bardell, Head of Energy and Decarbonisation at the Port of Milford Haven. “ With this software tool, we will be able to collate and analyse shipping forecast, environmental and performance data to help inform our commercial and operational decisions.”