Ocean FOCUS Current Forecasting Service Launched

Sea Technology, Sep 2004

Ocean Numerics (Houston, Texas) has developed Ocean FOCUS, an innovative ocean circulation forecasting service for the Gulf of Mexico and oil and gas provinces worldwide.

Ocean FOCUS provides detailed ocean information for exploration, drilling, construction and production activities.

Ocean FOCUS aims to reduce capital expenditures, operating costs, downtime and scheduling changes while also enhancing operational efficiency, safety and planning effectiveness. Fugro Global Environmental and Ocean Sciences (Houston, Texas) will provide the Ocean FOCUS service for the Gulf of Mexico.

"Ocean FOCUS combines advanced satellite ocean observation, sophisticated isopycnal ocean modeling, cutting-edge data assimilation and expert oceanographers," explained Dr. Ralph Rayner, Fugro's managing director and chairman of Ocean Numerics. Rayner also noted that, "Ocean FOCUS can forecast 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and up to 28 days in advance."

The ocean forecasting system has been extensively tested and was validated against last year's Eddy Sargassum loop current event.

The Ocean FOCUS standard service offers current velocity maps, animations and recent satellite images at various zoom levels. Additionally, an interpretative forecast commentary can be derived that provides a forecast of site-specific behavior, complemented by forecast current time series charts at selectable levels throughout the water column and forecast current velocity profiles.

All information is disseminated via a secure website, or alternatively by e-mail or fax delivery.

For more information, visit www. geos.com.