Nambian Ports Use VTS Systems from Transas

In October 2003, two successful installations of Transas VTS systems were completed in Namibian ports of Walvis Bay and Luderitz. These VTS projects were implemented in cooperation with Marine Data Systems (South Africa), the contractor and project coordinator. Two independent port surveillance systems fitted by Transas are primarily intended for assistance to Port Control operator to supervise ship traffic within the port area and help ship masters and pilots avoid collisions when following the approaching channel to the ports. The Walvis Bay port has two long approaching channels. As the Walvis Bay waters are relatively shallow, both of the channels with maintained depths provide the only safe traffic way for the majority of vessels including fishing boats and tankers. Therefore it is extremely important to keep the channel marks (buoys) in proper condition and accurately positioned. The Transas VTS system ensures observation and guarding of more than 30 buoys. With such a capability, the loss of off-anchored buoy as well as any damage to buoys caused by passing ships can now be tracked and replayed to restore the situation. “We invest a lot of money to keep our NavAids in good service and to provide safe passage of ships in and out of the port”, says Vladimir Gusev, Captain of the Port of Walvis Bay. ”The system installation of a VTS in the port providing accurate radar tracking of all vessels and NavAids with continuous recording of the traffic-related data will help us significantly reducing the cost of channel maintenance and increasing the navigational safety”. The VTS systems installed in the ports of Walvis Bay and Luderitz have identical configurations and comprise each a Bridge Master E radar, ORS3 radar processor with radar control unit and a Transas Navi-Harbour Operator station (ODU). Each system provides full coverage of port/harbour area, traffic-related information on ODU screen, all data recording in digital form and playback. Walvis Bay and Luderitz are the only two commercial ports in Namibia forming unique seaway artery for goods imports and exports. The fishing industry, being one of the major businesses in the Namibian coastal area, adds largely to the general service load of both ports. Transas Vessel Traffic Service systems provide advanced solutions for vessel traffic management and planning, traffic monitoring and environmental protection, off-shore security and coastal surveillance, collision avoidance, shore-based pilotage, coordination of search and rescue operations and VTS operator training.