MARACOOS HF Radar Lead Presents Ocean Observation Solutions at Bayonne Harbor Safety Meeting

Last week, MARACOOS’ HF Radar lead, Dr. Hugh Roarty (Rutgers University), represented MARACOOS at a Harbor Safety meeting in Bayonne, New Jersey. Hosted at International-Matex Tank Terminals (IMTT), the gathering focused on how to ensure safe, efficient transport of liquid goods—like petroleum and chemicals—in the busy Ports of New York and New Jersey.

The meeting is part of a broader initiative by the Harbor Safety, Navigation, and Operations Committee, or Harbor Ops, which has operated since 1914 to bring together diverse stakeholders—from industry leaders and government regulators to researchers and environmental advocates—to collaborate on maritime safety and environmental concerns.

What Does Harbor Ops Do?

• Safety & Efficiency: Harbor Ops serves as the collective voice for port users, focusing on safe navigation and operational efficiency in a densely used harbor.
• Inclusive, Non-Regulatory Forum: It offers a space—outside of formal regulations—for stakeholders to discuss, coordinate, and build consensus on operations, environmental impacts, and other shared challenges.
• Specialized Working Groups: Specific groups handle distinct issues. For example, a Deep Draft Working Group manages safe transit recommendations for large ships, while a Bridge Subcommittee handles coordination and clearance for movable and fixed bridges.

MARACOOS’s Contribution

Dr. Roarty highlighted how MARACOOS contributes real-time ocean data—collected via high-frequency radar, buoys, and models—to enhance vessel routing, oil spill response, and search-and-rescue efforts.

“Rutgers has been at the forefront of coastal ocean observing for decades,” he noted. “Meetings like this allow us to connect our science directly to the operational needs of the harbor, whether it’s vessel routing, spill prevention, or emergency response.”

His participation exemplifies how science-based data from organizations like MARACOOS can directly bolster harbor safety and environmental resilience.

Why It Matters

IMTT is a critical facility for handling and transferring bulk liquids in one of the nation’s busiest ports. By participating in the Harbor Ops Subcommittee, Rutgers and MARACOOS strengthen ties between research and real-world operations—ensuring the port remains economically vital while upholding environmental safety.