Gibraltar Port to get new VTS system
The Gibraltar Port Authority (GPA) is set to get a new and updated VTS system from Transas International, based on Transas Navi-Harbour VTMIS solution.
Transas will facilitate the supply, development and commissioning of the new VTS system including all necessary hardware, software, sensors, communication systems, training and support.
Charles Wyng of Gibraltar Port Authority said, ‘In this case, the operators have been running a VTS service for many years. This is where the main challenge lies in this project; to integrate seamlessly with an operation and culture that was working perfectly well before we arrived. The key to it, of course, is making the inevitable a change for the better from the operators’ perspective. For the first time, Gibraltar Port will be bringing together all the systems they have in place and automating many things that have been quite laborious traditionally; the net result being fewer actions for the VTSO to complete throughout his day.’
The GPA VTS system will allow operators to visualise and interact with all marine traffic within the Area of Responsibility by bringing together subsystems including radar, AIS, Electro Optical (or CCTV), VHF communications (including Radio Direction Finding and Digital Selective Calling), hydro meteorological data, port information system (a database including vessels, visits, operations, weather log and electronic logbook) and track/audio recording and playback.
All of these services are fully integrated through a set of VTS system servers and presented to the operators in a new dual workplace control room located within the GPA office situated on the North Mole in the port of Gibraltar.
