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Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority launched an upgraded vessel traffic management system expected to improve port management efficiency
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The new system will provide SBMA with increased marine radar coverage or vessel tracking and detection
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Northwind Communications and Electronic Inc. and Xanatos Marine Ltd. won the P233-million contract to provide the system
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The new system replaces a 15-year-old system
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) launched a P233-million vessel traffic management system (VTMS) expected to improve port management efficiency as well as safety and security of ports at Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
SBMA senior deputy administrator for port operations Ronnie Yambao in a statement said the new VTMS, which replaces a 15-year-old system, will provide the Freeport authority with increased marine radar coverage or vessel tracking and detection.
The current VTMS has deficiencies and dead spots in radar coverage of the bay. “A number of areas in the north of Subic Bay, Triboa Bay in the East and areas around and beyond Grande Island have zero radar coverage,” he said, adding that the replacement of radar at SBMA’s Seaport Building, and the construction and installation of a new radar station at the Ilanin area will broaden the coverage.
The new VTMS updates existing hardware and software with the current system approaching the end of its operational life.
Northwind Communications and Electronic Inc. and Xanatos Marine Ltd. won the VTMS contract. SBMA issued the notice to proceed in June 2022. Funding was included in the 2021 General Appropriations Act.
“The new vehicle tracking system hardware is easier to install, operate and configure, is more power efficient than its predecessors, and integrates more efficiently into the software. There have been huge advances in software in recent years and what exists in the market today is far superior to what was in use ten years ago,” Yambao added.
The new VTMS replaces the very high frequency and automatic identification system (AIS) as well as the VTMS operator consoles with new VTMS software (computers, microphones, headsets, and speakers); installs monitoring display and printer; provides database and application servers; and renovates VTMS operator room and equipment room.
The project includes installation of CCTVs at the SBMA seaport department, and at the Kalaklan and Ilanin areas. Yambao said although the radar and AIS coverage provide for efficient acquisition of targets, visual confirmation is still an important factor in traffic management.
“Visual coverage through installation of CCTVs will provide operators the ability to track smaller vessels that may not show up on radar. This system will also allow visual confirmation of larger radar targets operating without an AIS,” he said.
In addition, the new VTMS will integrate a port management system that supports the financial aspects of a ship’s visit such as invoicing, and provide information to service providers, terminals, waste collectors, ship chandlers and government.
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