Barco’s component based VTS technology promises Antwerp’s VTS operators an innovative and reliable traffic control system which will enhance safety at Europe’s second largest port.

In addition to replacing six port radars, the contract includes the supply of a comprehensive range of integrated hardware and software components. In order to provide the Antwerp operators with a complete traffic image, including high resolution radar video, radar tracks and AIS information, Barco will install multiple traffic display systems at different locations around the port area. Barco’s browser based client-server interface will enable operators and authorised stakeholders to access all traffic information via the internet.

The radar video network solution, including radar server, radar extractor tracker and multi-sensor fusion tracker will meet the challenges of a large port environment. Barco’s VTS solution will also incorporate recording and playback functionality of the traffic image and synchronised voice communication.

To guarantee the continuous availability of information and operator communication, Barco and Fabricom GTI are providing a powerful IT infrastructure with a fully redundant set up of VTS data processing centres. To allow for real time collaborative decision making, the contract also includes the supply of a large scale, high resolution video wall where common operational pictures will be presented.

The consortium is carrying out the entire project, including programme management, design, implementation, installation and extensive operator training.