The SAR Oceanography Team at the "Maritime Safety and Security Lab" in Bremen develops algorithms that extract and make available to users in near-real-time information on the condition of the oceans. This information is derived from radar images collected by a variety of satellites.
This information includes:
The information obtained yields a maritime overview useful for improving ocean safety. In polar waters, for example, where sea routes can become impassable within hours because of drifting ice floes, overviews of the current situation make it possible to adjust sea routes and reduce the risk of accidents. In cases of damage, rescue efforts are facilitated by consulting up-to-date satellite images. Having precise information on wind and wave motion aids the planning, construction and servicing of offshore wind parks, for example in the North Sea, and also improves weather models and forecasts. Illegal oil dumping and prohibited fishing can be detected by identifying ships and oil slicks.
In order to obtain situation overviews that are as up-to-date as possible, data from radar satellites such as TerraSAR-X, Sentinel-1 and RADARSAT-2 are combined. Reports from ships as well as data collected in situ are also procured and processed in near-real-time.
The algorithms developed are tested in joint campaigns conducted with a variety of science, public and industrial users and modified to meet specifications.