Chapter 8. Meteorological and hydrographic support of energy-saving maritime transport
Keywords:
maritime transport, hydro-navigation, ARGO drifters, gliders, satellite altimetry, oceanographic data, monsoon circulation, hydro-meteorological support, energy-efficient navigation, ship route optimization, Earth's gravitational field
Synopsis
Some issues of increasing the energy efficiency of ships by improving navigation methods
This section is dedicated to a comprehensive analysis of meteorological and hydro-navigational support as a key factor in optimizing maritime routes and reducing energy consumption in commercial shipping. The role of satellite technologies, automated monitoring platforms (in particular, ARGO drifters and wave glider-type gliders), numerical ocean circulation models, monsoon forecasting, and gravimetric variations in ensuring navigational safety and enhancing route planning efficiency is assessed. It is demonstrated that the integration of navigational and meteorological data allows avoidance of areas with high resistance, storm risks, or abnormal waves, leading to reductions in fuel consumption and emissions. Special attention is given to the analysis of gravitational anomalies in the Indian Ocean region and their influence on monsoon processes, which are critically important for ocean voyage planning. Technological and organizational approaches are proposed for the development of integrated hydro-meteorological support systems for maritime transport, aimed at lowering fuel consumption and supporting the sustainable development of marine transportation.
The section explores the complex interplay of meteorological, hydro-navigational, and geophysical factors that define the conditions for energy-efficient navigation within the Indian Ocean monsoon circulation zone. Particular focus is given to the influence of spatiotemporal variations in Earth's gravitational field (Δǥ) and geoid shape deformations on atmospheric structure, sea level, and seasonal wind activity. Evidence is presented showing the synchronization between annual Δǥ harmonics and the phases of monsoon circulation, providing a basis for a new paradigm of hydro-meteorological forecasting based on satellite data from GRACE and AVISO+.
It is shown that such gravitational and geoidal anomalies may serve as reliable indicators of changes in air mass and marine conditions prior to the formation of classical barometric gradients, opening new possibilities for long-term voyage planning.
The materials of this section are interdisciplinary in nature and are intended for professionals in the fields of shipping, navigation, hydro-meteorology, oceanography, and applied geophysics. The proposed approaches form a foundation for the development of integrated systems that ensure energy-efficient shipping within the global maritime transport network.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Georgiy Tomchakovsky _______________________________________ How to Cite: Tomchakovsky, G.; Kalinichenko, Y. (Ed.) (2025).Meteorological and hydrographic support of energy-saving maritime transport. Some issues of increasing the energy efficiency of ships by improving navigation methods. Tallinn: Scientific Route OÜ. doi: https://doi.org/10.21303/978-9908-9706-4-6.ch8
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