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.’