Maritime operations center helps ensure safe energy delivery

In the Straits of Mackinac, Enbridge is watching the water 24/7.

The Enbridge Straits Maritime Operations Center (ESMOC) is part of the company’s commitment to continuing the safe and reliable operation of Line 5, a critical pipeline that transports light crude oil and natural gas liquids (NGL) on which a five-state region depends.

Staffed around the clock, the ESMOC a one of kind purpose-built operations center that acts as the nerve center for a suite of marine traffic safety systems put in place by Enbridge in the Straits. This state-of-the-art operation continuously monitors vessel traffic to proactively prevent an anchor strike on Line 5’s dual pipelines located on the lakebed.

The ESMOC, based in Saint Ignace, Michigan, monitors the Straits with high-tech maritime traffic safety systems.

The technology creates an electronic protection zone around the Straits, with alerts triggered when a vessel enters the no-anchor zone. These alerts entail an automated text message delivered to the vessel and provide vector monitoring of their planned route allowing crossing times to be strategically forecasted by ESMOC staff.

This text alert is displayed on vessel navigation systems with receipt confirmed to the ESMOC. In addition, the system displays virtual buoys that mark the north and south sides and east and west legs of the pipeline.

Augmenting this proactive approach, the ESMOC is further supplemented by other layers of defense with two high-resolution radar scanners for detection and tracking and seven cameras. All sensors and data sources are integrated to display a common operating picture which technicians use to monitor and detect all maritime Straits activities. Specially trained watchstanders monitor vessel traffic and radio hail the ship crews’ to ensure to securement of anchors prior to their crossing of Line 5 in the Straits.

Veteran eyes on the water

The ESMOC is overseen by retired U.S. Coast Guard captain Mike Davanzo, who took the helm in 2021.

“I had the opportunity, in my Coast Guard career, to sail around the country and around the world and I've never seen the extent of efforts to protect a pipeline crossing as I've seen here. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up, because it fit in so well with my experience and love of the Great Lakes," says Mike, a New York City native and former Michigan resident.

“I like risk assessment and determining the next steps that will contribute to keeping the communities and waterways safe, and preventing anchor strikes is an extension of that commitment.”