AST Tapped to Track 400 Welsh Fishing Vessels

Applied Satellite Technology (AST) Marine Sciences said it has been awarded a three-year contract with the Welsh government to supply an advanced inshore vessel monitoring solution (iVMS) for the Welsh inshore fleet of 400 under-12-meter fishing vessels.

The Welsh government are proactively future proofing their fleet in preparation for the upcoming legislation that will soon require all inshore fleets and fishers to have this technology on board.

AST’s Group Managing Director, Gregory Darling said, “AST’s expertise in maritime communication teamed with this innovative solution will enable remote asset tracking for the fleet of vessels providing sustainable management of MPA (Marine Protected Areas), closed areas and inshore fisheries.”

The flexible iVMS solution will be tailored for a range of small inshore fishing vessels. AST will provide either a fixed iVMS solution for larger vessels or a flexible solar-enhanced solution for smaller vessels where space and power is less abundant. The solution does not require connection to the vessels primary power which enables quick and easy installation, with the added benefit of being self-powered.

Installations are due to start in early November 2020 throughout Wales and are scheduled to be complete in early 2021.