Deltares

Deltares

PO BOX 177, 2600 MH Delft

Mr F. Kleissen

frank.kleissen@deltares..nl

+31 (0)88 - 33 58 273

https://www.deltares.nl/en/

Prestige oil spill, model prediction from sattelite image (ESA), 24 hours after.

Unique combination of knowledge and experience

Deltares is an independent institute for applied research in the field of water,  subsurface and infrastructure. Throughout the world, we work on smart solutions,  innovations and applications for people, environment and society. Our main focus is on deltas, coastal regions and river basins. Managing these densely populated and  vulnerable areas is complex, which is why we work closely with governments,  businesses, other research institutes and universities at home and abroad. For Deltares the quality of our expertise and advice is foremost. Knowledge is our core business. Deltares employs over 800 people and is based in Delft and Utrecht.

 

Development of modelling tools
Since the early 80s, we have been active in the field of oil research by carrying out laboratory experiments and state-of-the-art numerical modelling.  The acquired knowledge about the behaviour of oil has been incorporated into mathematical modelling tools that can be used for the prediction of the spreading and fate of oil spills (see, for example, the figure) under the effect of currents, wind and waves. Improving the knowledge that is embedded in our tools is an on-going process. 

Recently, we have extended the oil module of our Delft3D modelling framework with a stochastic mode for generation of spatial risk, which are a combination of stochastic simulations with ecological vulnerability maps to assist the development of contingency plans. Our oil model can also be operated in our FEWS  real-time operational forecasting system, providing the means to respond efficiently to spill incidents. We have also established a link between the oil spill model and our general water quality model, providing the means to investigate long term effects of oil spills.

 

Specialised advice related to oil and chemical spills
The following is a listing of the specialised advice related to oil and chemical spills that can be carried out by Deltares:  

• Detailed and advanced modelling of 3-dimensional hydrodynamics; 
• Spill modelling, modelling the fate of spilled oil/chemicals; 
• Stochastic modelling techniques for the development of risk maps; 
• Modelling support for search and rescue operations; 
• Potential environmental impacts on sensitive areas and habitats; 
• Reverse modelling techniques to support the identification of  (illegal/accidental) spill locations; 
• Linking maritime safety assessment with marine environmental assessment. 
• Operational forecasting; 
• Applied research into (long term) effects of oil spills.

Would you like to get in touch with us immediately? Please contact Mr. Frank M. Kleissen at  +31 (0)883 358 273 or email Frank.kleissen@deltares.nl.