China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) has completed the installation of a weather and tidal monitoring station at Gwadar Port . The team responsible for the installation included associate researcher Ding Ruibin, senior engineer Liu Yihu, engineer Yao Guipeng, assistant engineer Li Fangzhen, engineer Amir Nazeer, and engineer Sabir Hanif, according t9 a report carried by Gwadar Pro.

The primary objective of the newly established Gwadar Port Weather and Tidal Monitoring Station is to observe and record real-time environmental parameters of the Gwadar coastal region. The initiative supports port operations, navigation safety, maritime environmental management, and long-term climate and oceanographic studies.

A Gwadar Port official told Gwadar Pro that the maritime environment is highly dynamic and that weather shifts can alter operational plans in ways that may cause delays, increase risks, or even lead to catastrophic outcomes if not properly managed.

“Precise monitoring of tidal changes is equally critical, as tides influence docking procedures, berth allocations, and the overall safety of ships and port infrastructure.

Comprehensive monitoring of weather and tidal conditions acts as a preemptive risk management tool, enabling harbor masters to prepare for inclement weather, modify schedules, and implement safeguards with agility,” he explained. With the installation and commissioning of the new monitoring station, he said that Gwadar Port is now better prepared for severe weather events.

“By analyzing incoming weather data alongside tidal data, port officials can proactively reorganize cargo operations, secure vulnerable infrastructure, and coordinate with emergency services. Such data-driven preparedness not only enhances overall safety but also reduces operational downtime and ensures smoother, faster recovery when conditions normalize,” he added.

When asked about the equipment, he said that a total of four specialized oceanographic instruments have been installed at the Gwadar Tidal Station, each serving a critical monitoring function essential for marine and port operations. “An anemometer measures wind speed and direction. Wind speed is determined by the rotational velocity of its propeller—the stronger the wind, the faster it spins.

The Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth (CTD) Sensor measures underwater conductivity, temperature, and depth, allowing precise determination of salinity and profiling of the water column. This data is vital for assessing ocean water characteristics, supporting marine research, and ensuring navigation safety,” he explained.

He added that the water quality monitoring system continuously measures seawater quality parameters using high-sensitivity optical sensors. It detects key indicators such as turbidity, temperature, salinity, and potential contaminants, ensuring environmental compliance and early detection of anomalies. “The submerged tide gauge records real-time sea-level variations using radar or pressure-based sensing.

The data supports tidal predictions, storm surge assessments, and long-term sea-level rise studies essential for port planning and coastal infrastructure resilience,” he noted. A COPHC official said that with rapidly changing weather conditions and tidal patterns affecting port activities, the importance of continuous weather and tidal monitoring has become indispensable.

“In today’s data-centric environment, leveraging advanced business intelligence and data analytics solutions is essential for ensuring safe and efficient harbor operations,” he added.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China