In response to the recent tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the resulting rise in maritime logistics risks, Weathernews Inc. (Headquarters: Chiba, Japan; President and Representative Director: Tomohiro Ishibashi) has released vessel and marine data for Middle East waters free of charge for a limited time on the website of its integrated marine weather service, SeaNavigator.
Currently, the top priority around the Strait of Hormuz is ensuring the safety of vessels waiting amid geopolitical tensions. Because this strait has narrow navigation routes and presents high risks of vessels being blown off course by wind, colliding with quays, or running aground, Weathernews is providing a portion of its normally paid port forecasts free of charge.
This site allows users to view the latest vessel position data along with weather and marine forecasts such as wind and waves, as well as detailed wave and wind forecasts for approximately 140 ports. The forecasts are powered by Weathernews’ proprietary Global Weather and Wave Forecasting System, achieving world-class accuracy and resolution. This service can be used by ship captains and operations managers for safe operations in the face of the shamal, the strong winds unique to the Persian Gulf, as well as sudden squalls. It also enables cargo owners and energy professionals to identify arrival delay risks for LNG carriers, tankers, and container ships, supporting time-critical decision-making on the front lines. Driven by its dream of “saving the lives of sailors,” which it has upheld since its establishment, Weathernews will continue to help maintain maritime safety and international logistics by providing timely relevant information.
Emergency Release of SeaNavigator: Providing World-Class Accuracy and High-Resolution Wave & Wind Forecasts
From among the vast volume of marine weather data normally provided for a fee, Weathernews is offering the latest vessel positions, weather and marine data, and highly localized port forecasts to help ensure safety in Middle Eastern waters. These data are powered by Weathernews’ proprietary Global Weather and Wave Forecasting System, which achieves world-class accuracy and resolution in wave and wind forecasts. The free release will continue until the current situation has stabilized and maritime safety is confirmed.
SeaNavigator: An AI-Powered Marine Weather Service to Support Optimal Operational Decisions
Since October 2024, Weathernews has been providing shipping operators with SeaNavigator, an integrated marine weather service that supports environmentally sustainable, safe, and cost-efficient vessel operations. SeaNavigator is a single-platform service offering AI support before, during, and after voyages, with capabilities such as optimal route selection, CO₂ emission visualization, grounding avoidance, and vessel performance analysis.
Full Features in the Paid Version of SeaNavigator
・AI Weather Insight: AI automatically generates weather and marine analysis and identifies vessels affected by inclement weather
・AI Agent: AI helps optimize operations through analysis of vast amounts of marine and voyage data
・Fleet Status Monitoring: Monitors the latest weather and marine data and identifies vessels affected by inclement weather
・Logbook+: Analyzes vessel performance based on data such as vessel reports
・Voyage Monitoring: Identifies risks in operational conditions
・Voyage Comparison: Calculates arrival times and fuel consumption by route and vessel speed to support optimal operations
・Navigation: Uses voyage plans and chart data to identify risks such as grounding
・Emission Dashboard: Analyzes environmental data such as CO₂ emissions and fuel performance rating systems, among others
Source: Weathernews
