Cochin Port Trust has signed a deal with the global marine technology group, Wärtsilä, to upgrade its Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS), originally delivered in 2008. The upgrading project is scheduled for completion by the end of July 2020.The port believes that by introducing the latest technology, significant additional operational and safety benefits can be gained.
The enhanced Wärtsilä VTMS will enable ‘seamless’ coverage of the port’s radar and automatic identification system (AIS) for traffic monitoring and control, thereby raising existing safety and efficiency levels. The Navi-Harbour VTS software is designed to provide an interactive and user-friendly interface for the system operator.
“Ports all around the world are getting busier and a VTMS is essential for ensuring that the port’s operations are safe and efficient,” explains Capt. Joseph Alapat, Deputy Conservator, Cochin Port Trust, India. “The existing system at Cochin Port is completing 11 years of continuous use, during which time the number of vessels visiting the port has increased by more than 35%. Because of the continuing growth in shipping traffic, it is necessary to upgrade the VTMS to make it fully technically compliant, and to cope with future requirements.”
