Incheon Port Authority (IPA) in Korea has announced plans to introduce a new ship monitoring system developed by compatriot start-up company MapSea to manage vessel traffic in its waterways.
The IPA notes that the existing infrastructure at the port, including its shipping lanes and berths, cannot be immediately expanded to match the increasing size of modern vessels, which makes management of safe navigation within the port area of critical importance.
Large tidal ranges and strong currents in the port’s waterways also create challenges for the authorities and can lead to significant sedimentation.
The MapSea Navigation system to be used will monitor navigation conditions, including water depth and currents, as well as designated ship routes. The software is accessible via mobile devices and can be linked to large displays in the shore offices.
Real-time vessel traffic control is currently conducted by the Incheon Maritime Traffic Center as part of the nation’s Coast Guard operations, but the port authority says that it intends to improve its own monitoring of general navigation conditions to reduce the likelihood of maritime accidents.
“The ability to visually track ships entering and exiting Incheon Port on one screen is a significant advantage,” said Kim Sang Gi, Vice President of IPA’s Operations Division (translated from Korean.
“We will continue to implement improvements in various areas to make Incheon Port more convenient and safe.”
