Smarter Pilot Boarding at Harwich Haven Authority Driven by Real Time Wave Data
Making safe, confident decisions at sea starts with having the right information at the right time. For the teams working at Harwich Haven Authority, a new wave monitoring solution is transforming how pilots, launch crews and Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) operators plan and manage pilot boarding operations.
Working in partnership with OceanWise, Harwich Haven Authority has recently deployed a Datawell Wave Buoy, supplied by RS Aqua, at its pilot boarding area. The buoy now delivers live, high‑precision wave data directly into Port‑Log, OceanWise’s cloud‑based data platform—putting accurate, local information into the hands of the people who rely on it most.
For pilots and launch crews operating at the very edge of safe working conditions, understanding the true sea state at the boarding location is critical. Until now, teams often relied on data from nearby monitoring stations, which didn’t always reflect the real conditions at the pilot station itself. This meant more time spent interpreting information and greater uncertainty when making operational decisions.
“This project was about giving people confidence,” said Sarah Cockroft, Monitoring Business Manager at OceanWise. “By listening closely to Harwich’s teams and understanding how decisions are made on the water, we were able to help deliver a solution that directly supports those working in demanding, time‑critical roles.”
From the outset, OceanWise worked closely with Harwich Haven Authority to understand their operational challenges and guide them through the available monitoring options. Together, they selected the Datawell Wave Buoy for its accuracy, resilience and suitability for critical marine operations. OceanWise engineers then tested, configured and supported the deployment end‑to‑end, ensuring the system was ready to deliver from day one.
Now fully operational, the wave data is used daily by VTS teams, hydrographers and pilots, displayed alongside weather, tidal and AIS information within Port‑Log. For those on watch, this means faster access to trusted data and clearer situational awareness when planning pilot transfers.
Beyond immediate operational benefits, the data is also helping to build a longer‑term understanding of local conditions. By validating wave forecasts against real observations at the pilot station, Harwich Haven Authority can improve future predictions and planning. The data will also feed into an AI‑enabled digital twin, allowing teams to analyse historic and real‑time conditions together and better anticipate when pilot boarding may become unsafe.
“Accurate wave data at our pilot boarding areas has delivered an immediate operational benefit,” said William Barker, Marine Director & Harbour Master at Harwich Haven Authority. “When used alongside the experience of our pilot launch coxswains and VTS teams, and supported by weather and wave forecasts, it enables more informed, real‑time decisions based on actual conditions. The quality of the data and the support from OceanWise throughout the project have been excellent.”
The wave data will also soon be made available via Harwich Haven Authority’s public website (www.hha.co.uk), supporting greater transparency and shared understanding across the port community.
The project is a clear example of how combining trusted partnerships, proven technology and a people‑first approach can deliver safer, smarter marine operations.