Applied Data Analytics to Buoy Records for Weather Window Evaluation

This paper analyzes weather data recorded by typical oceanographic buoys using data analytics and regression techniques. Time series data over a period of more than four decades (1976 – 2020) are reviewed and profiled. A set of key variables including seasonality, wind speed, wind direction, wave period, wave direction, etc., are screened from the buoy measurements to build a predictive model based on multiple linear regression for significant wave height prediction. A sensitivity analysis is then conducted for the available weather window corresponding to specified threshold operational limits of the significant wave height. Key insights are presented along with suggestions for future work to assist marine operators in planning and derisking offshore operations. Utilizing the algorithms and workflows presented in this paper, a user can increase confidence in weather window prediction, and develop safer, efficient offshore operation plans.