Experience the transformational power of our innovative digital solutions, designed to enhance decision-making without the need for specialised modelling expertise. Unlock a wealth of information in a fraction of the time with our user-friendly, subscription-based data portals. Gain a competitive edge through our cloud-based business applications that leverage advanced simulation software, real-time data and scenario-based planning tools to transform results into actionable insights. Further elevate your decision-making with our operational systems, delivering accurate, real-time information and forecasts. Whichever you choose, your path to success begins here.

Technologies

Download reliable, high-quality water depth data.


Bathymetrics Data Portal

Access custom marine forecasts for more effective risk management


DHI BlueCast

Empower your dredging operations to safeguard ecosystems.

DHI PlumeCast

Optimise wastewater control strategies for a greener future

Future City Flow

Easily access hindcast and forecast data.

Global Hydrological Model

Gain crucial insights into the behaviour and movement of vulnerable species to support your EIAs


Marine Animal Movement Portal

Enhance workflows with access to 40 years of metocean data.

MetOcean Data Portal

Optimise mine-water management by integrating hydrological models with operational data.

MIKE Mine

Monitor bird movements in offshore wind farms 24/7 to ensure compliance.

MUSE

Unlock port capacity, reduce delays and optimise expenditures.


NCOS ONLINE

Save energy, cut costs and reduce your WWTP’s carbon footprint by up to 30%.

TwinPlant

Estimate your dredging impacts with more certainty

See how New Zealand’s largest port of Tauranga did it with a customised web-based solution
 
Managing dredge projects to minimise environmental impacts is an issue found internationally. A large dredging operation of our client, Rohde Nielsen A/S – for New Zealand’s largest port of Tauranga – required strict limits on the turbidity during channel works. DHI worked with Rohde Nielsen A/S to provide a tool which estimated the turbidity level expected in the surroundings for any given dredge scenario with a combination of other dredging activities. This allowed operators to plan and execute dredging scenarios to estimate environmental impacts with more certainty.
 
Challenge
Rohde Nielsen A/S was required to meet specific turbidity consent limits to ensure that the harbour maintains environmental standards for recreation and tourism. They required a resource for carrying out optimal project planning and considering dredge scenarios with expected turbidity levels within acceptable values. All within a tight deadline.
 
Solution
Rohde Nielsen A/S worked with DHI to swiftly produce a web-based tool, which significantly contributed to the overall success of the dredging project. Solution highlights:

Rapid assessment of environmental impacts based on predefined conditions
Only requires a relatively low web server load
Extremely informative inputs allow for optimal sequencing of dredging works, with the environment as the key element
Effectively minimises the impact of the dredge operations on turbidity levels

Results
Rohde Nielsen A/S successfully managed to complete the one-year dredging contract well within budget and time without a single breach of turbidity response level. The works were executed on time, in full compliance with the defined turbidity limits on all three-trigger levels and to the fullest satisfaction of all stakeholders.

More certain assessment of environmental impacts of the dredging operation
Reduction in turbidity levels after having fulfilled consent limits requirements
Operational savings due to minimising breaches of turbidity levels


Using detailed coastal analysis to determine riverbank and coastal erosion
 
Protected from the Indian Ocean by the Macaneta Peninsula, the Lower Incomati Estuary in Mozambique is home to fishing and agriculture industries. Riverbank erosion in recent years has caused concern that the river could break through a narrow isthmus (a narrow strip of land that connects two larger areas of land), threatening these industries. DHI's detailed coastal analysis provided in-depth information on the state of the erosion. This enabled the Mozambican government to carefully weigh their options and decide whether protection measures were needed.
 
Challenge
Separated from the Indian Ocean by the Macaneta Peninsula, the Lower Incomati Estuary in southern Mozambique supports subsistence and commercial fishing and farming industries. Over the years, the local population has observed the rapid erosion of the riverbank in the valley.
 
This has led to fears that the Incomati River could permanently break through a narrow, 60 m wide isthmus that connects the Macaneta Peninsula to the mainland. If that were to occur, the main outflow of the river would shift upstream by 10 km. This could have severe environmental and socioeconomic consequences for the area. If the river finds a shorter path out to sea, salt intrusion will affect the river further upstream, impacting both the farming and fishing industries. To determine the appropriate course of action, the Government of Mozambique needed to know the extent and rate of the erosion and the factors causing the observed erosion.
 
Solution
DHI worked with NIRAS to perform a detailed coastal erosion study of the Macaneta Peninsula. A site visit was performed to examine the current state of erosion, analyse the state of the beach and local geology, and collect sediment samples. Next, we gathered information from the local population to get a better idea of how the site looked in the past, as well as the frequency of overwash events – when high sea levels and large waves caused waves to wash over the isthmus and into the river.
 
Comparison of aerial images over the past 25 years revealed that severe erosion has occurred along certain stretches of the riverbank. This is typical for meandering (bending) rivers like the Incomati. 
 
A state of equilibrium
Despite the riverbank erosion, the isthmus has maintained its shape over the last 25 years.
 
Using MIKE 21 Spectral Waves (SW), we assessed nearshore wave conditions along the Macaneta Peninsula. Using LITPACK, we analysed sediment samples to calculate littoral drift and evaluated the direction of the sediment transport. We also determined the equilibrium orientation of the coast – when the beach faces straight towards the mean wave direction, resulting in zero net yearly sediment transport. Based on our analysis, the dynamics of the river and the sea seem to have reached a balanced state that maintains the isthmus. This means that the river is unlikely to break through the isthmus. If a breakthrough were to occur, it would likely be due to an extreme wave and water level event, such as a storm with surges and large waves. With this information, Mozambique now has a better understanding of the:

general processes acting on the Macaneta coast
processes that could cause the Incomati River to break through the isthmus
possible consequences of such a breakthrough

This will enable them to weigh and prioritise protection efforts in the future.
Results

Improved clarity on the state of erosion
Clearer understanding of the river and coastal processes driving the erosion
Enabled the Mozambican government to determine the necessity of erosion protection measures


Integrated coastal zone management for Tamil Nadu, India

Contributing to the state’s sustainable coastal development
 
Several factors such a population growth and urbanisation have been putting increasing pressure on the fragile coastal zone of Tamil Nadu in India. Frequent tsunamis in the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean worsen this problem. To help the Tamil Nadu Department of Environment (DOE) overcome this challenge and sustainably develop its coastline, DHI assisted them in the preparation of an Integrated Coastal Zone Management plan (ICZM) to support developmental activities as well as preserve the balance between development and natural dynamics in the region.
 
Challenge
The south Indian state of Tamil Nadu has a 1,076 km long coastline, which houses a coral reef as well as numerous estuaries, seaweeds, sea grass ecosystems, fishing harbours, ports and tourist areas. Population growth, urbanisation, industrialisation and pollution are putting increasing pressure on this coastal zone. In addition, the state receives an average of 16 cyclonic storms every year – some of them quite severe.
 
Furthermore, tsunamis in the Bay of Bengal are also of concern, highlighting the importance of having an Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) plan in place.
 
With support from the World Bank under the Emergency Tsunami Rehabilitation Project, DHI helped the Government of Tamil Nadu’s Department of Environment (DOE) develop an ICZM plan. This was the first such plan attempted and completed successfully in India.
 
Solution
ICZM is a dynamic, multidisciplinary and iterative process that promotes the sustainable management of coastal zones. It covers the complete cycle: information collection, planning, decision-making, management, monitoring and evaluation. Planning work include:

review of existing policies and frameworks to identify gaps and overlaps
development of capacity needs assessment, covering technical, human resources and financial aspects
development of stakeholder awareness and communication strategy
review of the information management framework and establishment of online decision support

As part of the ICZM plan, DHI's team conducted land use, capability and vulnerability mapping, developed a Special Area Management Plan (SAMP) and conducted an inter-sector impact assessment.
 
The maps were prepared with a scale of 1:5000 with land boundaries visible for the entire coastal stretch. All the maps run from the coast to 2.5 km inland. They go up to the village boundary and include full administrative units. This was the first time for an Indian state to develop maps of this sort for the entire length of its coastline. These maps will benefit various governmental departments and other stakeholders and help in future planning.
 
The SAMP that our client requested us to developed focused on:

socioeconomic aspects, in terms of community development along with the prevailing coastal problems in Cuddalore
engineering solutions to prevent coastal erosion in Tharangambadi
conservation of rich mangrove biodiversity in Manakkudy

Suggestions from stakeholder meetings were incorporated into the SAMP. For the inter-sector impact assessment, we identified and described the most significant environmental issues such as pollution in estuaries due to aquaculture and industry, degradation of mangroves due to forestry, overfishing and erosion, among others as well as social issues in the areas. Since ICZM was a new tool in India, we also provided training to the government officials, NGOs and stakeholders.
 
Results

Improved coordination of developmental activities along the coast of Tamil Nadu
Ability to balance environmental, economic, social, cultural and recreationalobjectives with the dynamics of nature
Provided governments and stakeholders with a trusted tool for future planning


Contributing to solving operational problems caused by harbour surges
 
Agitation by long waves often causes mooring lines in the Port of Geraldton to break, endangering both staff and vessels. The Geraldton Port Authority (GPA) – now known as Mid West Ports Authority – organised a workshop with national and international experts to find ways to address this problem. DHI provided a preliminary assessment of potential offshore mitigation schemes that could provide a solution. As a result of the various findings, GPA decided not to proceed with the originally envisioned solution – a major extension of the west breakwater – because it was questionable whether sufficient benefits could be obtained, even with large capital investments.
 
Challenge
The Geraldton Port Authority (GPA) wanted to reduce the cost and impact of surge delays on port operations. Mitigating surge incidents benefits port operations as these events cause critical situations for both the vessels directly involved and other vessels in the port. They also pose significant risks to staff safety and potential damage to port structures. GPA wanted to reduce the cost and impact of surge delays on port operations and needed a firm basis to make decisions in order to mitigate the problems in the future.
 
Consequently, they invited industry experts, including DHI, to participate in a workshop to create a foundation for new initiatives to solve the port's challenges caused by long waves. Topics included:
 

long wave generation over reefs
numerical modelling of long wave propagation into the port
characteristics of long waves in the port
resonance consideration and mitigation
ship motions and mooring line tension
improvements of mooring systems
early alert systems for swell and long waves


Applying mechanistic modelling to ensure good ecological status in marine coastal waters
 
The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) mandates member states to achieve good ecological status in all surface waters by 2027. This requirement significantly affects industries, imposing stringent legislative standards and operational restrictions. To establish scientifically sound targets and interventions, the Danish Environmental Protection Agency (DEPA) has integrated DHI’s mechanistic ecosystem modeling software as a pivotal tool in the project River Basin Management Plans for 2021-2027.
 
Challenge
Balancing the protection and sustainable use of marine environments is a nuanced challenge. The WFD dictates targets that aim to protect marine ecosystems to benefit present and future generations. However, these targets may potentially impact agriculture, industries and the household sector, since compliance with the WFD will result in costly investments. Hence, there is an integrated conflict between society and industry stakeholders when it comes to protecting the environment at a minimal cost.
 
The River Basin Management Plans for 2021-2027 represent the latest effort in this ongoing challenge. Previous iterations have faced criticism from various stakeholders for falling short of fully achieving the Directive's goals.
 
In response to these challenges, the Danish Environmental Protection Agency (DEPA) has embarked on a rigorous model development process. This initiative aims to ensure that future decisions are underpinned by scientifically robust data and models, acknowledging the complexities involved in balancing environmental protection with societal and economic needs.
 
Solution
To better manage the marine coastal waters, the DEPA decided to establish a range of mechanistic ecosystem models as background supportive data for the Danish implementation of the WFD.
 
Driven by MIKE Powered by DHI software, DHI helped DEPA develop hydrodynamic, wave and ecosystem models, covering the vast majority of Danish coastal water bodies.
 
In total, 11 different model-complexes were developed. The model-complexes included hydrodynamics, waves and ecosystem components, spanning from regional scales, such as the North Sea and Baltic Sea models, to estuary-specific models. The aim of the models was to provide robust model results at all scales – from open water to the smallest coves.
 
Results

Efficient communication: Scientific robust tools for essential stakeholder communication
National coverage: More than 95% of all marine water bodies covered by one solution
Regulatory compliance: Data to support implementation of the Water Framework Directive


Real-time decision support system offers valuable insights for efficient operation of MOSE flood barriers
 
Venice is a unique city known all over the world, listed as one of the UNESCO heritage sites since 1987. Situated on the extremity of a closed-off part of the Adriatic Sea, part of the Mediterranean Sea, the lagoon is frequently subjected to the encumbrance of fluctuations in water levels where high water periodically floods the piazzas, and low water that can obstruct navigation due to shallower canals. 
 
Challenge
The protection of Venice from high water levels is a top priority. In that respect, the Italian Government initiated the MOSE (Modulo Sperimentale Elettromeccanico, Experimental Electromechanical Module) project to protect the city from flooding. The construction is made up of a complex system of 78 submerged gates which can be raised to separate the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea, in case of high water levels. ‘High-water events’ are defined as a water level higher than 110 cm in Venice city and 130 cm in Chioggia both with reference to local datum. Sea-level forecasting is a fundamental task for properly operating the gates and safeguarding the ancient city.
 
Solution
To support the operations at the MOSE gates, a complex Decision Support System has been set up by 'Provveditorato Interregionale per le Opere Pubbliche' through 'Consorzio Venezia Nuova', based on MIKE Powered by DHI’s MIKE OPERATIONS. The system is mainly composed of:

specific procedures for multiple data collection, processing and storing
a wide range of numerical models based on MIKE Powered by DHI technology incorporating machine learning
a dedicated decision support system based on complex algorithms capable to forecast high water levels events and continuously update the data, defining the correct timing for closing and opening the gates
a wide range of tools for data as warning dissemination, including a specific web interface
an expert graphical user interface for the configuration of an advance management of the system

 
Results
The implementation of DHI's solution has proven to be an effective measure in safeguarding Venice from high water levels, ensuring:

Accurate forecasts of high water levels events
Decision support for operating the MOSE gates
Automatic dissemination of information and warnings


How Söråker WWTP used a coupled groundwater-sewer model for a comprehensive evaluation with detailed insights 
 
The Söråker wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in northern Sweden, operated by the water utility MittSverige Vatten, faced significant challenges due to high inflow and infiltration flows, particularly during snowmelt periods. These issues were exacerbated by the village's high groundwater levels, aging infrastructure and anticipated population growth. But by implementing a solution that integrates advanced technology with practical engineering, MittSverige Vatten has gained a detailed and holistic overview of hydrogeology and sewer networks for more efficient reduction of inflow and infiltration.
 
Challenge
Söråker's location on a slope near the Baltic Sea, combined with its glacial till soil composition, naturally led to elevated groundwater levels. Additionally, the village's infrastructure, including basements with drainage connected to the sewer network, contributed to excessive groundwater leakage into sewer pipes. Previous efforts, such as field surveys and scattered pipe relining, provided limited insights into these complex issues, jeopardising the WWTP's treatment efficiency and posing risks to residents and the environment.
 
Solution
In collaboration with DHI, Söraker WWTP implemented a multi-step approach:
 

Development of a coupled MIKE SHE groundwater-sewer model that allows detailed digital investigation of inflow and infiltration from groundwater and stormwater into the sewer network
Calibration of the model against groundwater monitoring points and total inflow to the WWTP
Evaluation of future scenarios involving strategies like deeper ditches, additional drainage and sewer pipe relining
Assessment of scenario impacts on inflow, treatment efficiency and groundwater levels. The integration of MIKE SHE and MIKE+ sewer models enabled detailed, physically based simulations, offering insights beyond traditional methods

 
Results
Söraker WWTP gained actionable solutions for informed decision-making that will enable them to accommodate the need for new housing areas at a reasonable cost and simultaneously reduce environmental impact on surrounding water environments. And by enhancing the operational and environmental efficiency of the existing WWTP, costly investments in upgrading the sewer network can be avoided. The implemented solutions are expected to alleviate the WWTP’s environmental load, enhance water quality and mitigate flooding risks. Results include:
 

An estimated investment savings of EUR 14 million by eliminating the need for costly investments in conventional sewer separation
A 30% reduction in biological oxygen demand (BOD) load to receiving waters, minimising environmental impact
Accommodation of new housing areas within existing WWTP permits thanks to reduced environmental impact from the WWTP


Lowering environmental impact of Germany’s first floating LNG terminal

Marine modelling studies contributed to the safe design of Wilhelmshaven LNG terminal and validated low environmental impact on nearby waters and nature reserves
 
Germany relies on various energy sources to ensure supply for citizens and businesses. In the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Germany took the initiative to build LNG receiving facilities at its Northern coast. Uniper started a project to build and operate the country’s first floating liquified natural gas (LNG) terminal with support from the government, which could provide up to 6% of the German gas demand. In building the terminal, there is a need to comply with safety and environmental obligations. DHI’s marine modelling studies and environmental impact assessments (EIAs) have helped Uniper establish safe design conditions and validated low environmental impact on nearby waters and nature reserves related to the terminal construction.
 
Challenge
Following the geopolitical situation and global natural gas supply crisis, Germany’s first LNG terminal in Wilhelmshaven gained rapid regulatory authority approval for construction in 2022. The terminal was built as a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU), which is in fact a special vessel that receives LNG from arriving vessels and converts it back to its gaseous state. The vessel will have a fixed and secure berth at the existing transshipment facility. During the planning and implementation phase of port and terminal projects, the safety of terminal design and accurate predictions of potential impacts on marine ecosystems are important factors to consider. What’s more, Uniper was facing a tight timeline to ensure that the country’s energy supply would not be disrupted. As such, they urgently needed to establish environmental design conditions for the Wilhelmshaven terminal to quantify and manage risks and impacts.
 
Solution
DHI provided Uniper with modelling studies and EIAs related to the construction of the Wilhelmshaven terminal. The modelling results contributed to the terminal’s design, safety and operability, and the EIAs ensured that environmental impacts were kept to a minimum. The solution included:
 

A detailed metocean study to get a full picture of the hydrographic conditions, such as wind, water levels, currents and waves
Environmental data for navigational safety for inbound and outbound carriers carried out in a Full Mission Bridge Simulator by our partner Nautitec
An investigation of dynamic mooring forces and vessel motions not only for the Wilhelmshaven terminal itself but also when an LNG carrier is moored simultaneously. This led to the identification of design conditions for the bollards and fenders of the terminal and threshold conditions for safe mooring.
Environmental impact assessments- Biocide concentrations: The public and mussel farmers in the area were concerned about the possible increase in biocide concentrations due to the terminal in Wilhelmshaven. The LNG terminal has been in operation for a year and is regularly monitored by the authorities with regard to the use of biocides. A so-called monitoring, which examines the effects on the Jade and the Jade Bay, has not identified any negative effects on the water after one year of operation. The discharge of cooled water in summer and heated water in winter was also no longer measurable in the water itself.- Fish and larvae migration: As the released water from the terminal is either warmer or colder than the ambient water, there were concerns that fish and larvae would not swim through it. DHI validated that no ‘temperature barriers’ have formed around the terminal and thus fish and larvae migration would not be affected. DHI also helped assess the potentially dangerous areas for fish and larvae in the vicinity of the terminal’s inlets. Knowledge of the extent of the affected area would allow Uniper to implement compensation measures.

 
Results
In December 2022, the Wilhelmshaven terminal started operations with its first import of LNG, sufficient to supply energy to 50,000 German households for a year. The terminal will handle 6% of Germany's future gas requirements and serve as a bridging technology towards a green future. In a later phase, the terminal will be equipped to switch to imports of low-carbon energy sources such as green hydrogen. DHI’s solution has:
 

Contributed to the fast operation of the Wilhelmshaven terminal thanks to accurate simulation covering hydrodynamics, thermodynamics, chemistry, waves, wind and dynamic mooring
Validated the low environmental impact of the terminal construction on nearby waters and nature reserves
Helped Germany ensure sufficient energy to power homes and businesses


Taking seabird flight registration to new heights

A DHI study for Vattenfall measures seabird collision risks and can help speed up offshore wind farm approvals
 
A DHI study for the European energy company Vattenfall finds that seabirds deliberately avoid rotor blades at offshore wind farms. The findings could help pave the way for a faster permit process. The study mapped the flight paths of thousands of seabirds around wind turbines in the North Sea, and during two years of monitoring using cameras and radar, not a single bird was recorded colliding with a rotor blade. The results could pave the way for simpler permit processes for offshore wind power by improving our knowledge about seabird collision risk.
 
Challenge
Demand for more renewable energy is soaring, and the offshore wind sector is constantly developing to keep up. However, the slow permit processes for establishing new offshore wind farms make it challenging to accelerate growth in the sector. The environmental impact assessment required in the permit process typically includes studies on how the proposed new wind farm will impact seabirds and marine life in the area. But it has previously been challenging to carry out research on the collision risk for birds at offshore wind farms due to lack of technical monitoring solutions and the severe weather conditions which has made the task of accurate monitoring and registration more difficult.
 
To overcome this challenge, a study was commissioned by the energy company Vattenfall to be carried out at the Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm in the North Sea on the east coast of Scotland.
 
Solution
The movements of herring gulls, gannets, kittiwakes and great black-backed gulls at the Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm were studied in detail from April to October in 2020 and 2021 when bird activity is at its highest in this region. This was the first time that any kind of bird species has been studied this closely and in detail at an offshore wind farm. The research team was led by DHI, and the team combined radar data with cameras to identify the species of seabird and create a three-dimensional image of birds’ flight patterns and how they avoid rotor blades. By combining the two, the researchers were always able to record where each bird was and what the bird was doing in relation to wind turbines, the distance to them and current weather conditions.
 
The system was able to track birds across both cameras, which was supported by an artificial intelligence system with high tracking accuracy. The study also took into account the turbulence from the back of the turbines in addition to wind and weather conditions.
 
The research team placed a camera with a 220-degree view on two of the 11 wind turbines – in the middle and at the edge of the wind farm – and a radar device covering the entire wind farm. The system first detected the approaching birds by radar and automatically handed them over to the cameras for further tracking. A total of 1,753 coupled tracks were recorded during 2020 and 1,370 tracks during 2021. Detailed statistical analyses of the seabird flight data were enabled both by the large sample sizes and by the high temporal resolution in the combined radar track and video camera data (2.5 seconds).
 
Results
The data showed that seabirds will be exposed to very low risks of collision in offshore wind farms during daylight hours. No collisions or even narrow escapes were recorded in over 10,000 bird videos during the two years of monitoring covering the monitoring period.
 
The results of the study show that it is possible to predict collision risks more accurately and allow more realistic figures to be derived for estimates of the cumulative effect of wind farms. Similar studies could be done for future offshore wind farm sites, ultimately paving the way for simpler permit processes for offshore wind power without compromising on the protection of vulnerable seabird species.

Innovative digital solutions

Featured projects