The new system, installed by seawork exhibitor Transas covers over 500 square miles of water, from Swansea Bay in the west right up to the second Severn Bridge crossing.

'This is a major step change for ABP in South Wales, said ABP's port director for the South Wales ports, Budha Majumdar. 'We have completely changed the way our marine department works by implementing a system which will not only enhance the safety of users along the Severn Estuary but also improve the service we can offer shipping lines and port users.'

Previously, marine personnel at each individual ABP port in South Wales would communicate to a ship via the telephone or radio to bring the vessel into and out of the harbour. Now ABP has invested in CCTV and four new radars located at strategic points along the estuary in addition to new vessel management software and radio technology, enabling ABP to provide a comprehensive service.

Captain Philip Holliday, marine manager for ABP South Wales ports explained, 'We have established an information centre that will assist managers in bringing their vessels into and out of the Severn Estuary safely and efficiently. With the new radars, we can visually monitor and track ships across the whole estuary and provide more accurate and relevant information to help the mariner with on board decision making. The new CCTV that we have installed will also allow us to monitor the lock entrances at our ports and observe ships coming into and out of port'.

MJ Information No: 19588