Weathernews has launched a high-resolution wave and wind forecasting capability, including an expanded marine and voyage dataset integrated into its SeaNavigator platform and made available externally via an Application Programming Interface (API).
The updated model is claimed to reduce wave height prediction error by approximately 23% compared to conventional methods, based on analysis of forecasts up to seven days ahead.
“Shipping is entering a period where volatility is no longer an exception to be managed around, but a structural part of operations,” said Craig West, CEO Europe at Weathernews.
“The issue is not only whether we can forecast weather more accurately, but whether operators have the tools to understand how severe conditions are becoming and what impact this has on voyage performance.”
“Our approach combines improved forecasting, high-quality data and expert interpretation to help shipping companies make better decisions earlier.”
The system combines global numerical weather prediction models with satellite observations and vessel-derived data, analysing more than 80 scenarios to identify the most reliable outcome at a spatial resolution of approximately 10–15 kilometres.
The expanded dataset covers approximately 2,300 ports and includes global wave and wind forecasts, ocean currents, sea surface temperature, and sea ice information.
The company is also developing an Accumulated Wave Energy Index (AWE Index), designed to quantify the intensity and persistence of wave conditions over time, enabling direct comparison between historical events and regions.
