Pilbara Ports Authority selects AMS to provide VTS system for Port Hedland’s new traffic tower

Pilbara Ports Authority has contracted Australian Maritime Systems (AMS) to design and install a vessel traffic services (VTS) system in a new shipping control tower in Port Hedland, Australia.

The proposed VTS system will be a critical part of the port’s new integrated marine operations centre (IMOC), which will help manage the safe and efficient movement of around 6,000 vessels annually.

The $70.7m IMOC project currently being undertaken by Pilbara Ports Authority is intended to support the long-term sustainability and safe development of Port Hedland.

Construction of IMOC is scheduled to be completed by next year, and plans are also in place to install and commission the new VTS system immediately after the completion of IMOC.

"The fit-for-purpose VTS system integrates radar, radio, CCTV and scheduling information to oversee the increasing number of vessels through the port."

Pilbara Ports Authority CEO Roger Johnston said: “The fit-for-purpose VTS system integrates radar, radio, CCTV and scheduling information to oversee the increasing number of vessels through the port.”

IMOC is being designed and constructed by Pindan Contracting under a contract signed in July last year, and will feature provisions for the Port Harbour Master function, dredging management, port security, marine pilot briefing facilities and an advance incident control capability.

Pilbara Ports Authority have also announced aa $120m channel risk and optimisation project (CROP), which will reduce the risk of an obstruction in the Port Hedland shipping channel and allow port users to further optimise tonnages on their vessels.

A new emergency passing lane, extension of a deep water refuge zone and other facilities will be created under the two-year project.