Associated British Ports (ABP) Hull & Goole has placed an order with Kongsberg Norcontrol IT Ltd for upgrading ABP's Humber Estuary Services' Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) system.
Captain Phil Cowing, ABP's Harbour Master for the Humber commented:
"The Humber Estuary is the UK's busiest harbour area, handling some 37,000 shipping movements, 85 million tonnes of cargo and 1million passengers annually. The continuing sustainable development of port facilities throughout the Humber means that shipping traffic is increasing year-on-year and it is, therefore, essential that we have a sophisticated and reliable VTS system to oversee the safety of navigation. This £1.1m upgrade underlines ABP's commitment to its role as Harbour Authority and will enhance both safety of navigation and the protection of the marine environment on the Humber.
"The existing Kongsberg Norcontrol IT system has served us well for many years and it is, therefore, with confidence that we have chosen to continue our longstanding partnership with Kongsberg Control. This upgrade project will give us access to the latest technology and extend our existing Automated Identification System (AIS) coverage to the whole of the harbour area, as far inland as Goole and the River Trent wharves."
Steve Guest, General Manager for Kongsberg Norcontrol IT Ltd, said: "In such a dynamic maritime environment such as the Humber Estuary, really accurate and robust vessel tracking is required, based on all the tracking information that is available."