Taking a Slice of EAS

The awareness is increasing that to ensure safe waters, you need more than binoculars ‘‘ and a radio...new generation VTMS systems are on-hand

dispatchers. Also, the modular design of the software allows for the implementation of functionalities that are required for a particular project or client and conversely provides the ability to leave out what is not needed.”

Saab says that it is strongly committed to AI to generate more operationally useful information from accumulated data. “We lead the way in VHF Data Exchange System (VDES), the next generation of AIS, for which we were the first supplier to have a commercial base station available,” highlights van Roosmalen. “With the added bandwidth and satellite communications, VDES enables new applications. An example of this is Sea Traffic Management (STM) for end-toend management of vessel voyages,” he points out.

SECURITY FEATURES

Modern systems are required to interact with other satellite systems that cover the likes of finance and management.

The problem is, however, that interoperability can potentially result in cyber-attacks. To prevent this, systems like Kongsberg’s C-Scope are designed to the relevant quality assurance standards.

Saab’s VTMS system also plays an important role in a general security context. For example, the system alerts when an unidentified or blacklisted ship enters a port.

It also alerts for unauthorised access to restricted areas. Additionally, customers have the possibility to mark ships as suspect or hostile.

“Another security feature is the possibility to link with a Port Management Information System. This allows the VTS operator to look up information such as vessel ownership, history of violations, blacklisting and the nature of the cargo.”

When asked what makes a Horizonte VTMS system superior, Gonzalez explains that it is the response time on the system and easy to use GUI. “Also, the intuitive modular design of the software, and its wide possibilities of use for any applications such as in ports, rivers or in coastal surveillance.”

Because there are no one-size-fits-all requirements for ports, Kongsberg’s C-Scope can customise the operating environment. The operator can use the system to tailor requirements to the port’s specific needs. C-Scope also features decision support tools that provide configurable and pinpointed alert areas for safety and security.

Saab’s target tracking is the result of 30 years of development and significant time in operation under a wide range of circumstances. Van Roosmalen says that good tracker performance is essential for the reliability of alerts and situational awareness.

However, van Roosmalen stresses that VTS systems are more than technology alone:

“Our knowledge of implementation and system design give our customers the ‘most bang for the buck,’ he says. “Our expertise ranges from the selection of optimal sensor sites to ensuring uninterrupted operations during system replacements.”

Technology upgrading is a common trend. Lerwick Harbour selected Wärtsilä to upgrade its existing technology to deal with the high volume of traffic at the crossroads of the North Sea and North East Atlantic.

Credit: SAAB

Facilities include CCTV, weather and tide sensors, positioned around the surrounding area allowing operators to track vessels and obtain data. Approaches to the port are covered by a double transmitter Jotron VHF system, providing VHF communication. A further system upgrade replaced Lerwick’s IT infrastructure with version 4.6, plus a radar processor upgrade using RPU5 interfaces.

8 IoT gives a much

more complete picture of what is going on in the port, says Saab

NEW TECHNOLOGY

The biggest benefit of new generation technology is the use of AI and machine learning. This leads to a quality improvement in the traffic image and thus, traffic safety.

The ResearchAndMarkets.com report says that the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is engaged in extensive collaborations in conjunction with the introduction of new, top-of-the-range VTMS systems. Together with the Authority, Fujitsu Limited, Singapore Management University, and A*STAR’s Institute of High-Performance Computing are developing predictive technologies that use AI and big data analytics to deal with port trade and traffic. Real-world data can boost congestion predictions and eliminate the risk of potential sea accidents by detecting any possible risks at sea.

“IoT creates a more complete picture of what is going on in a port,” says van Roosmalen. “Various ports are pioneering the development of digital twins, for example, to predict energy consumption on the quay. Based on this data, ports can make better decision on infrastructure investments.”

Gonzalez says that VTMS can embrace new sensors technology (such as the IoT and predictive technologies) and take advantage of it. “I think it does have a good impact on the overall sensor information available for better situational awareness.”

While Gonzalez says that it is hard to predict the future of VTMS, surveillance in his view, is here to stay. “The evidence is that disruptions in the supply chain require more efficient ways to monitor not only vessels at ports, but expected arrival times.

“I do perceive,” he continues, “a blossom in utilisation of IoT based sensors and many other types of sensors that can be integrated into a VTMS, so do perceive that the broad use of VTMS can be beneficial not only for security and surveillance, but also for supply chain purposes.”