Saab VTMS for five UK ports
Saab’s Vessel Traffic Management Services (VTMS) system will be installed in five major UK ports under a contract with Peel Ports announced on 22 October.
Under the agreement the VTMS systems will be installed in the Peel Ports-managed harbours of Clydeport, Heysham, Medway, Liverpool and the Manchester Ship Canal. Radars will also be upgraded in the ports, along with new sensor installations.
Saab will also build a new VTMS control centre in Liverpool from where operators will be able to track vessels in real time across all five ports.
The VTMS receives real-time information from radars, AIS and CCTV sensors and combines the information into a consistent traffic overview of all vessel movements, allowing controllers to accurately guide vessel traffic under all visibility conditions, even when ports are very busy.
The new system is set to be operational by September 2016.
Anders Carp, head of business unit traffic management, Saab, said: ‘This will be the first time a UK port operator will integrate a vessel management system across multiple ports with this level of combined services or interoperability.
‘Various solutions, such as Saab’s TactiCall communications system, R40 AIS base stations and V3000 VTMS come together to provide shipping companies the swiftest service in getting their cargo from the ship onto the next inland transport system. This will add to the attractiveness and profitability of participating ports.’
More from Naval Warfare
-
![NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios]()
NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios
As part of its effort to better prepare its capabilities for operations in contested and congested scenarios, NATO evaluated a Lithuanian ship-to-ship terminal designed to not be susceptible to enemy interference.
-
![US Navy advances with the Harpoon Service Life Extension Programme]()
US Navy advances with the Harpoon Service Life Extension Programme
The US Navy plans to improve Harpoon’s anti-ship and land attack capabilities by equipping the missiles with sensors and technologies required for succeeding in future battlespace.
-
![Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection]()
Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection
With Australia’s selection of the Mogami-class for Project Sea 3000, Mitsubishi is investigating local production in the next decade as potential export opportunities emerge.
-
![Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions]()
Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions
The new sonar is designed to equip uncrewed underwater vessels, with the potential to be used by the Royal Navy for its Atlantic Bastion and Atlantic Net missions.
-
![Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal]()
Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal
The contract would mean the two shipbuilders can collaborate strategically and enhance shipbuilding capabilities in Western Australia.
