Wärtsilä has successfully completed the installation and operational staff training for its Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) solution in the ports of Lisbon and Setúbal / Sesimbra in Portugal. The systems will increase the efficiency of these ports by reducing waiting time for vessels and allowing just-in-time pilotage. The state-of-the-art solution has been developed and supplied by Transas, a Wärtsilä company. The project was booked in July 2018 and completed in January 2019.

The complex project comprised, among other things, two VTS control centers, seven remote sites with sensors, and the integration of various radars, Automatic Identification System (AIS) Base Stations, day/night cameras, Radio Direction Finders (RDF), VHF and Navtex subsystems, and weather and sea sensors. Furthermore, data is being seamlessly shared between the control centers and pilots via Pilot Portable Units – Pilot PRO application.

“This extensive project is another outstanding example of how Wärtsilä is utilizing high levels of connectivity and digitalization to develop the latest technology for creating even greater maritime safety and operational efficiencies as part of its Smart Marine Ecosystem vision,” says Dmitry Rostopshin, Wärtsilä Ship Traffic Control & Management Director.

“We are extremely satisfied with the VTS solution for these ports and thank Wärtsilä for its efficient handling of this important project. Lisbon and Setúbal are major ports on the Iberian peninsula and having this advanced technology will benefit our operations and the safety of navigation in many ways,” said Rui Barata (Head of Pilot Department and VTS – APL S.A.) and Carlos Marques (Port & Maritime Safety/Security Director - APSS S.A).

The Transas Navi-Harbour VTS software has extensive functionalities, and the solution is modular, scalable, and accessible for future upgrade developments. Wärtsilä Transas is a market leader in this field, with more than 300 Vessel Traffic Management Systems installed in 70 countries.