The aim of the meeting was to be reported the project’s ongoing progress of each partner. It was focused over 22 pilot developments, and standardized protocols and regulations were discussed, especially Iliad Architecture and API, as the ambition is virtual representations of the Ocean to be created by integrating Earth observation data, models and digital infrastructures for marine environment future forecasting.
In order to be developed profitable, interoperable, data-intensive digital twins of the ocean (DTO), this initiative consolidates two decades investments in policy and infrastructure for the blue economy.
Being a partner of this initiative, Republic of Bulgaria presented the advancement of the joint ILIAD project pilot between Technical University of Varna (TUV) and Bulgarian Ports Infrastructure Company (BPIC).
On behalf of Technical University of Varna, the team leader Assoc. Prof. Todor Ganchev, and Capt. Milen Todorov PhD, the team leader of Bulgarian Ports Infrastructure introduced their concept and a draft version of software, developed by the team of TUV, for weather forecasting – speed and wind direction, visibility condition in a narrow area, aiming sufficiently high time- and surface-resolution.
Higher resolution should be achieved by using an existing climate models, which are refined by applying statistically processed data with high time- and surface-resolution, collected for the area concerned during the last 7-10 years (data extracted from multiple meteorological stations and sensors in minimum time periods of 20-60sec. ). This statistical data is submitted by the sensor network of BPIC.
This software will support the on-duty operators at Vessel Traffic Management and Information Services Coast Center for the decision-making process for navigation and manoeuvring operations in port of Varna area, thus improving harbor safety and efficiency of the Port of Varna.
A draft version of system for „blind navigation“ in the narrow sections of port of Varna water area, based on AR environment (Augmented Reality), was presented as well. Its virtual component, (geographically precise 3D model of Port of Varna) is developed by BPIC during the implementation of VTMIS project (Vessel Traffic Management and Information System).
The „blind navigation“ system works by precisely positioning of the navigator on the ship’s bridge and of his head’s direction. Owing to the automatic identification system with subsequent data refinement by GPS-based localization, inertial sensors and accelerometers, the reference positioning projects, from the current perspective, the 3D map of the waterway and coastline (AR-based perspective is projected over a semi-transparent display, build in smart glasses). Without AR-based perspective, it’s impossible the above mentioned to be seen during restricted visibility.
The concept and readiness for implementation of system for monitoring of surface currents in critical watershed areas was presented, which will contribute to improving the safety during manoeuvring operations. This system is based on data extracted by currents measurement sensors, which are going to be installed in Area 2 of Port of Varna and in Terminal Petrol area. The data will be transmitted by RRL connectivity (radio-relay lines) and WiFi connectivity to the data centre in Coast Center Varna and will be available online for the on-duty operators at Vessel Traffic Management and for the pilots on board of moving vessels.
The ILIAD Project budget is €18,956,630.00 and project duration is 36 months. The ILIAD consortium includes 56 partners from 19 countries, coordinator is Netcompany-Intrasoft, Kostas Thivaios. Bulgarian Ports Infrastructure Company is an ILIAD project partner under the Consortium Agreement based upon Regulation (EU) No 1290/2013 of the European Parliament and “Horizon 2020 – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020)”.
