The National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC) of Saudi Arabia has activated the first smart buoy in the Arabian Gulf at King Fahd Industrial Port in Jubail.
The launch of the 1st smart buoy will contribute to a national initiative to deploy 35 smart buoys across the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf this year as a key element of a comprehensive marine and coastal environmental monitoring strategy.
NCEC general manager of monitoring operations, Anwar Alnahdi stated that the deployment of these smart buoys is progressing rapidly. He noted that the first buoy was launched in the Red Sea off Jeddah Islamic Port, followed by deployments in Yanbu and Jizan, and is now extending to the Arabian Gulf. He confirmed that the full network of 35 buoys will be operational by the end of 2025.
Alnahdi emphasized that the Arabian Gulf’s first buoy marks a significant advancement in environmental monitoring, allowing real-time data transmission from both the Kingdom’s eastern and western coasts to its major ports. This will provide crucial data to enhance environmental oversight and informed decision-making.
He explained that solar-powered buoys are equipped with smart sensors capable of measuring various parameters, including temperature, salinity, oxygen levels, dissolved solids, and specific chemicals. They also feature a wireless system for real-time data transmission, enabling swift detection and early response to pollutants.
Alnahdi highlighted the importance of this technology in light of the Kingdom’s active maritime traffic and ongoing development within its ports, which could potentially lead to pollutants that threaten the marine and coastal environment if not promptly addressed.
