The Port of Antwerp has bolstered its radar infrastructure with the recent awarding of a new contract to security provider Securitas.
The framework agreement to digitalise and further expand its entire radar infrastructure is part of the port’s rollout of upgraded vessel traffic management earlier this year, with the aim of improving ship guidance behind the locks.
The 12 current analogue radars will be gradually replaced and, in addition, seven radar set-up points will be added.
An IALA-compliant (International Association of Lighthouse Authorities) Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) is the final objective to be rolled out by the first quarter of 2022 and will have three sectors.
The digitalisation of this radar infrastructure will further support and accelerate efforts on other innovation projects. This will simplify the connection with the digital twin APICA (Advanced Port Information and Communication Assistant).
This digital twin allows various real-time data to be brought together and, via data science, translated into actionable information for a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders.
READ: Digital Twin: The Port Complex (£)
Ultimately, this allows for evolving from situational awareness about the port to predictive and steering behaviour. The connection to detailed radar data is an important building block.
Following a European tendering procedure, the framework agreement was awarded to the integrator Securitas, which will use products from the Italian radar manufacturer ICS.
Port Alderman Annick De Ridder commented, “Our ambition is to become a world port of the future where innovation and digitalisation are key.
“This new radar infrastructure will help us manage our port more efficiently and is an important step towards even safer and smoother traffic.”
BU Technology Director Aviation & Maritime Patrick Delanghe added, “Securitas helps to make the world a safer place. We provide security services for the mainland as well as for the sea and inland waterways.
“We are therefore very pleased to be able to support a world reference such as Port of Antwerp with the integration of a VTS.”
