Printer Friendly
Email a Friend
VTS Upgrade Boosts Milford Haven
01 Sep 2003
Milford Haven Port Authority switched its control of shipping movements to a new VTS which was formally opened last month by Gwyneth Dunwoody MP, chairman of the influential Parliamentary Sub-Committee on Transport which is currently undertaking a review of the UK ports industry.
The MP unveiled a plaque marking the completion of the Port Authority’s £750,000 investment before an audience representing the oil and marine sectors, Board members and senior management, together with representatives of Denbridge Digital Ltd of Bootle who supplied and commissioned the new equipment and technology for the VTS upgrade. Key features of the new AIS-ready package include new and additional radars, a VHF direction finder to identify which ship is broadcasting, and a full digital and analogue audio and video record and replay system. The new equipment fully integrates with other information systems including tides and wind speed and there is a direct link to a comprehensive database on ships’ previous movements, activity by berth, and other information.
Port Authority Chief Executive, Ted Sangster, said the investment was vital for a port which was now the largest cargo port in Wales and the sixth busiest in the UK. ‘We now handle over 33 million tonnes of cargo and 10,000 ship movements a year, a level we intend to consolidate and ultimately increase, he said. ‘We need the most modern VTS system available which exploits the rapidly developing technology in this area. The system Denbridge has installed for us will mean that our capability and safety will be maximised over the coming 10 years and help maintain our position as a leading UK port operation.’
MJ Information No: 18624
Related products
For more information on products mentioned within this article visit
