Imagine you’re a port pilot, responsible for the safe passage of a cargo ship that’s about the same size as an aircraft carrier. It’s the middle of the night, it’s windy and you’re contending with large waves and an outgoing tide. A stressful scenario to be sure but happily, you have the benefit of a real-time information system that gives you details about water levels, currents, salinity, and weather to help you guide your vessel. That system is known as PORTS, the Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System.
![A container ship safely enters a seaport (Image credit: iStock) A container ship safely enters a seaport](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_width_1275/public/legacy/image/2020/Mar/container-ship-in-the-port-of-rotterdam-holland-picture-id474988916.jpg?itok=jcJKc1_u)
A container ship safely enters a seaport (Image credit: iStock)