Seatrack Web

Official HELCOM oil drift forecasting system developed and administrated by SMHI (Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute), DCOO (Defence Center for Operational Oceanography, Denmark) and BSH (Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency, Germany).

Background:

Seatrack Web is a user-friendly system for forecasts and backtracking of drift and spreading of oil, chemicals, algae and substances in water in the Gulf of Bothnia, the Gulf of Finland, the Baltic Sea, the Sounds, Kattegat, Skagerack and eastern part of the North Sea (out to 3° E).

Aims:

Seatrack Web’s aim is to provide a tool to authorities in HELCOM countries for oil spill prediction, combating and identification of illegal polluters. STW uses the latest technology, 3-dimensional modeling, updated atmospheric and ocean forecasts and observations, satellite information and HELCOM’s AIS system to provide a fast and effective service which is used operationally throughout the Baltic region by Coast Guards, Border Guards, Rescue Services and Environmental Institutes.

Actions:

The Seatrack system, including oil spreading model PADM (PArticle Dispersion Model) and graphical user interface, is continually being improved and optimized by a team of experts at SMHI, DCOO, BSH and soon to include FMI (Finnish Meteorological Institute). During 2012 – 2013 the whole platform will be upgraded to keep up with rapidly progressing internet technology and develop new and important functionality for the benefit of all HELCOM users.

Contacts:

Project Manager: Cecilia Ambjörn
Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute
SE-60 176 Norrköping
Sweden
Tel: +46 (11) 4958174
E-mail: cecilia.ambjorn@smhi.se

SeaTrackWeb web address: https://stw-helcom.smhi.se/

Some illustrations of SeaTrackWeb:

Updated 19 December 2012