Wartsila has announced it will upgrade its vessel traffic management system (VTMS) in the Indian port of Cochin after winning an order from the Cochin Port Trust (CoPT).
In a statement, the technology group said the upgrade – the Navi-Harbour-VTS software – will mean “significant additional benefits” to the CoPT’s operations.
Its technology was initially installed at the port in 2008, but the new system will allow “seamless coverage of the port’s radar and automatic identification system (AIS) for traffic monitoring and control”.
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This will ultimately mean improved safety and efficiency levels, according to Wartsila. It will provide an interactive and user-friendly interface for the system’s operator.
Wartsila and CoPT have also signed a five year Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract (CAMC) for the upgraded system and a six year CAMC for the existing equipment.
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“Ports all around the world are getting busier and a VTMS is essential for ensuring that the port’s operations are safe and efficient,” said Capt. Joseph Alapat, Deputy Conservator, Cochin Port Trust.
“The existing system at Cochin Port is completing 11 years of continuous use, during which time the number of vessels visiting the port has increased by more than 35%,” he added.
“The Wärtsilä VTMS has helped the port to integrate the traffic from major projects, such as the Single Point Mooring (SPM), the International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT), and the LNG Terminal, into the existing shipping channels.
“Because of the continuing growth in shipping traffic, it was necessary to upgrade the VTMS to make it fully technically compliant, and to cope with future requirements.”
