Sea state statistics

Wave measurements in North Sea and Baltic Sea

Waves are one of the most important oceanographic parameters for research, maritime service providers and shipping. The BSH operationally collects measurements of the parameters wave height, peak period and wave direction. These can be used for the following maritime purposes:

  • Safety of maritime navigation,
  • Load calculation for ships and offshore structures,
  • Optimization of ship routes,
  • Planning and optimisation of diving and offshore operations,
  • Coastal protection and climate research.

In addition to the current time series, monthly and annual statistics are provided. The data are collected with specially anchored wave-tracking buoys, ADCPs (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler) and radar equipment at various locations in the North Sea and Baltic Sea.

Time series and statistics are available for all stations on the map, some from 2006 onwards

Arkona (water depth 46 m)

2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

Elbe (water depth 25 m)

2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

FINO 1 (water depth 30 m)

2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

FINO 2 (water depth 24 m)

2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

FINO 3 (water depth 25 m)

2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

Helgoland Nord (water depth 30 m)

2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

Helgoland Süd (water depth 20 m)

2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018

NSB-2 (water depth 42 m)

2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

NSB-3 (water depth 40 m)

2010, 2011, 2012

Westerland (water depth 13 m)

2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

Zingst (water depth 21 m)

2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018