At the end! The Be-Ready project gave birth to the following pivotal results in a quest to realize its main goal.
What does it mean to say Result? In this context, Result is referred to as the output generated from the implementation of the project activities. The output measures the short term impact of the project action.
The first result was the development of the numerical models which encompasses mainly:
1. The hydrodynamics model
2. Operational Forecast System for Oil and NHS spills and
3. Risk Assessment Model
The hydrodynamics of all the understudied harbors, La Spezia, Tripoli and Aqaban is called the Delft3D numerical model. Delft3D consists of a variety of dynamically interfacing modules for the exchanging of data and results, each addressing a particular domain of interest such as flows, sediment transport, waves, water quality, morphological developments, and ecology.
The spill forecast system is based on the state-of-the-art oil spill model called TESEO. TESEO is a 3D numerical model to simulate the transport, weathering, and spatial distribution of oil and HNS spills in the marine environment both at the regional scale (offshore) and coastal scale (bays, estuaries, and harbors).
The risk assessment model supports the response planning, providing the environment’s hazard, vulnerability, and risk to oil and HNS spills in terms of probability.
The second result is the establishment of a DSS manual, the term DSS stands for Decision Support System which is the core of the project goal. DSS is designed to avail reliable information about HNS and Oil Spills for support of decision-making.
The third result involved national events and stakeholders’ round table which was tailored to enhance knowledge and awareness on the domain of environmental risk, and the new instruments that can effectively help in contrasting marine pollution. 4 workshops at different geographical areas were held to enhance networking and awareness of key stakeholders of the BE-READY project.
The fourth result was centered on testing and simulation of the EDSS developed by the project. A practical workshop was held on the theme of how to use the EDSS (Environmental Decision Support System). The workshop was divided into a Simulation of hypothetical spills + a Q&A session and practical small-scale exercises through live demonstration.
In conclusion, in the light of above, the be-ready project aims to mitigate the threat faced by Mediterranean ports and maritime transport through oil and HNS spills. The marine environment is indeed threatened by pollution derived from maritime accidents that frequently cause spills of dangerous substances, suggesting the need to enhance the level of preparedness for such occurrences.