AD Ports Group is to implement a new Vessel Traffic Management Information System (VTMIS) across its UAE operations, to cover Khalifa Port, Zayed Port, Free Port, Musaffah Port, and its Al Dhafra region ports.
The investment is part of a wider initiative to deploy digital systems within the company’s operations in support of the nation’s efforts to further develop its maritime and ports sector, to provide remote, local, and centralised monitoring and control of vessel movements in and around the Emirate.
The VTMIS will be used to ensure the integration of all assets within the port and maritime environment, including tools such as radar, CCTV, radio and meteorological systems, to provide port operators with access to real-time information and improve vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-shore communication.
The equipment, sensors and related infrastructure will be delivered and installed by Dubai-based marine services company Elcome, incorporating technology from Saab.
“AD Ports Group has made this investment in a state-of-the-art Vessel Traffic Management Information System (VTMIS) to maximise the safety, security and efficiency of our port and maritime operations,” said Captain Ammar Al Shaiba, Acting CEO – Maritime Cluster and Safeen Group, AD Ports Group.
“This demonstrates our drive to improve quality and safety in accordance with the highest international standards, and assists our marine services team in making smart, rapid decisions informed by real-time information.”
To support the implementation of the new system, AD Ports Group says that it intends to upgrade the current VTC Centre with video walls and operator consoles, also provided by Elcome, to offer an overview of tracked vessels within the VTMIS area.
Once implemented, the new technology will allow for remote monitoring of shipping activity from the command centre at Khalifa Port, covering locations as far as 300km away.
