Cargo Business Techwire

Friday, October 23, 2015

Peel Ports signs deal for multi-ship management

Defense and security company Saab says it has made a deal with Peel Ports to install Saab’s Vessel Traffic Management Services (VTMS) system. The system will be deployed across the UK and is scheduled to be operational by September 2016.

Saab will build a new-state-of-the-art VTMS control center in Liverpool, designed to track vessels in real time across five major UK ports. These include Peel Port’s harbors in Clydeport, Heysham, Medway, Liverpool and Manchester Ship Canal. Radars will be upgraded to the latest technology and sensors will be installed in each port as part of the deal.

The Saab VTMS system will allow controllers to accurately guide vessel traffic under all visibility conditions, even when ports are very busy.

The system receives real-time information from latest design radars, AIS and CCTV sensors and combines the information into a consistent traffic overview of all

vessel movements. With back-up working positions in each port, the design allows traffic to be managed from any operations office, giving the flexibility to efficiently schedule rotations for operators. This design also makes the system highly resistant to outages.

The resilient design also benefits the communications system, the most essential part of any VTMS. Ship’s masters approaching Peel Ports’ waterways can count on efficient support 24/7, 365 days a year.

"This significant investment in customer service
will enable the Statutory Harbour Authorities of Ardrossan, Clydeport, Heysham, Liverpool, Manchester and Sheerness to further advance
safety and efficiency of all aspects of Vessel
Traffic Management," said Gary Hodgson, COO
of Peel Ports.