Tug navigation escorting tankers from Vancouver Harbour to the Pacific Ocean requires careful planning, particularly as vessels leave the sheltered waters of Burrard Inlet and enter the rougher conditions of the Juan de Fuca Strait. Typically, it takes 12 to 18 hours for a tanker leaving Vancouver to reach the western end of the Juan de Fuca Strait. Safe tug passage depends on accurate wave condition forecasts to inform vessel departure timing and escort tug size selection. However, previous wave forecast data was focused on the north Pacific and was at a resolution not suited to resolve wave conditions in the Salish Sea.

To enhance navigation safety and operational planning, the need for a planning tool providing detailed information on wave conditions was identified. Tetra Tech was retained by Trans Mountain and KOTUG Canada to develop an online operational platform providing a 7-day forecast of wave conditions along the shipping route from Vancouver Harbour to the Pacific Ocean.

The online platform, accessible by sea captains on ships and logistic crews in Sidney and Burnaby, provides a 7-day wave forecast that automatically updates every 12 hours. Hourly wave conditions can be reviewed anywhere along the shipping route, informing go-no go decisions, tanker departure timing, and selection of appropriate escort tug sizes. Automatic alert emails are sent to sea captains and crews when high wave events are forecasted within the next 48-hours, informing them of peak wave conditions. By providing detailed, location-specific wave data, the tool supports safe and efficient passage planning, minimizing risks for tug operators and tanker logistics crews.

Built on decades of Tetra Tech’s expertise in the Salish Sea, this new forecast platform is the first to deliver a reliable wave forecast for navigation in this area. By integrating advanced forecasting technology, it sets a new standard and milestone for navigational safety and efficiency in the region.

Multiple forecast systems already exist covering the north Pacific. However, none operate at a resolution high enough to realistically capture wave transformation and propagation in the Juan de Fuca Strait. To address this, Tetra Tech selected and implemented a 1-km resolution model over the entire Salish Sea, balancing rapid computational time with resolution of critical topographic and bathymetric features.

The wave modelling framework is based on the industry-standard SWAN wave model. Inputs are provided by third-party governmental agencies with offshore wave conditions from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) wave forecast (WAVEWATCH III) and wind conditions from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) wind forecast (HRDPS and GEM-LAM model forecast winds).

Every 12 hours, the platform automatically downloads wind, and offshore wave forecasts and converts them into a format suitable for the Salish Sea SWAN wave model. Using initial conditions from the previous forecast, the simulation projects forward seven days. Results are uploaded to the online platform, which can be accessed on a cell phone or a computer. Tug operators and tanker crew logistics personnel rely on the platform 24/7 to determine the optimal departure time from Burrard Inlet and the select appropriate escort tug size.

The model was validated against wave observations at La Perouse Bank, Neah Bay and New Dungeness, demonstrating reliable performance and accurate predictions.

Since launching in May 2024, our platform has become an essential tool for tug and logistics teams, enhancing navigational safety and supporting week-ahead planning. In parallel, Tetra Tech has been continuously monitoring forecasted wave conditions against real-time observations—delivering highly accurate and consistently positive results. The platform optimizes tanker scheduling, reducing delays, fuel consumption, costs, and the need for anchorage during rough wave conditions.