A Method of Assessment for Wind Forecasts Developed for the Sakhalin Offshore Ice Service Operations on the Vityaz Oil Production Complex

A group of authors worked out a method for wind forecast quality assessment (WFA-2000). The method core is in gradual step-by-step validations for forecast wind speed and direction values in comparison to observed data, and consequently, a single value calculation for the forecast quality. The method of quality forecast assessment has more strict criteria for wind speed and direction parameters than ones currently used in Russia and other countries. The method has been successfully tested in ice drift forecasting service for the Vityaz oil production complex at the northeastern Sakhalin offshore for more than five years. It gives an opportunity to provide an appropriate assessment for wind forecasts issued by any national meteorological center, and its confidence and simplicity allow using it in operative conditions.