Skyview has worked closely with The Port of Felixstowe for over two decades. The port boasts a bespoke wind alarm system designed and maintained by engineers. The cranes are fitted with precision wind sensors, which were selected for their exceptional accuracy and ability to withstand the harsh environmental conditions at the port, including high winds and sea spray. The durability of these sensors makes them ideal for the challenging maritime climate.
Each crane has two sensors, one located at the front and the other at the back, providing comprehensive monitoring of wind conditions from both directions. These sensors are connected to signal conditioning units, which output data on wind speed, gusts, direction, and precision wind values. The units are also equipped with alarm settings, ensuring that the port's safety protocols are immediately triggered if any dangerous conditions are detected.
These sensors and signal units are directly linked to displays and radio modems via an RS232 output, which sends the data in real time for immediate processing.
Staff Alerts and Instantaneous Data
Safety is a top priority at Felixstowe Port, and the wind sensors provide real-time management data to ensure that staff can make informed decisions. The data from these sensors is made available to staff via the web service Skylink-Pro, allowing them to access sensor information from any computer with internet access. Given the port's large area, it is essential that staff can quickly access critical information to make timely decisions.
Skyview’s bespoke system also includes email alerts and visual alarms that notify the right personnel instantly when wind conditions exceed predefined safety thresholds. Selected members of the port staff are authorised to receive SMS text messages and email alerts, ensuring that operational managers and safety officers are promptly informed when conditions are unsafe.
Additionally, Skyview has developed a custom software solution, Purple Alarm, which integrates with the wind sensor system. Purple Alarm is designed to notify port police and other relevant authorities immediately when safety parameters are exceeded, helping to ensure a swift response in emergencies.
Installation Challenges and High Safety Standards
The installation of the sensors and associated equipment presented several challenges due to the crowded environment at Felixstowe Port. With a high volume of container traffic and constant movement of cranes and containers, it was essential to ensure minimal disruption to ongoing port operations. This required a highly coordinated effort, with safety being the primary concern. The cranes had to be installed and integrated into the existing safety infrastructure while ensuring that the port's operations continued smoothly without any delay.
The sensors were carefully integrated into the system, adhering to the highest safety standards and ensuring that the equipment could withstand the busy, high-risk environment.
Ongoing Support and Maintenance
To ensure the system remains reliable, Skyview provides ongoing support and maintenance services. All sensors and equipment are serviced annually, and faulty components are immediately replaced to guarantee that the system remains in good working condition. This proactive maintenance approach helps ensure that the port operates safely and efficiently at all times, with no interruptions in the monitoring system.
Skyview also provides periodic checks and updates to the Purple Alarm software to ensure it continues to meet the port’s evolving needs, keeping all stakeholders informed and the operational environment as safe as possible.
