Jubail Activates Arabian Gulf's First Smart Buoy To Enhance Marine Protection

The National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC) has initiated the deployment of the first smart buoy in the Arabian Gulf at King Fahd Industrial Port, Jubail. This is part of a broader plan to install 35 smart buoys across the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf this year. These efforts are integral to a comprehensive strategy for marine and coastal environmental monitoring.

Alnahdi highlighted that these solar-powered buoys come with advanced sensors. They measure various environmental parameters like temperature, salinity, oxygen levels, dissolved solids, and specific chemicals. The buoys also have a wireless system for real-time data transmission, which helps in quickly detecting pollutants and enabling early responses.

Anwar Alnahdi, NCEC's general manager of monitoring operations, mentioned that the deployment of these smart buoys is advancing swiftly. The first buoy was launched in the Red Sea near Jeddah Islamic Port. Subsequent installations occurred in Yanbu and Jizan, with expansion now reaching the Arabian Gulf. The complete network of 35 buoys is expected to be operational by the end of 2025.

Alnahdi emphasized that activating the first buoy in the Arabian Gulf represents a significant step forward in environmental monitoring. It facilitates real-time data transmission from both eastern and western coasts to major ports in Saudi Arabia. This capability provides essential information to enhance environmental oversight and support informed decision-making processes.

The introduction of this technology is crucial given Saudi Arabia's active maritime traffic and ongoing port developments. Such activities could lead to pollutants that threaten marine and coastal environments if not promptly addressed. Alnahdi stressed that these smart buoys play a vital role in mitigating such risks by providing timely data for effective management.

This initiative underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to safeguarding its marine ecosystems through innovative technology. By deploying these smart buoys, the Kingdom aims to ensure sustainable development while protecting its valuable natural resources.

With inputs from SPA