LANDMARK MARINE CENTRE UNITES SEVERN ESTUARY PORTS

LANDMARK MARINE CENTRE UNITES SEVERN ESTUARY PORTS

A landmark marine-control centre that will - for the very first time - enable all commercial ships to be monitored 24 hours a day as they enter or leave a South Wales port or harbour along the Severn Estuary was officially commissioned today (Monday, 24 May), by Captain Norman Lloyd-Edwards, HM Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan*.

Associated British Ports (ABP), owner and operator of five ports in South Wales - Newport, Cardiff, Barry, Port Talbot and Swansea - has invested �0.6 million in developing the new state-of-the-art Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) centre, which is called �Severn VTS�.

For the first time, all of ABP�s five ports in South Wales are linked to a central VTS system controlled from ABP�s regional headquarters at the Port of Cardiff. By working closely with The Bristol Port Company, ABP has been able to develop Severn VTS so that, together, both port authorities can provide seamless coverage of ships throughout the whole of the estuary.

The new system, installed by Transas, a world-leading supplier of software and integrated solutions for the transportation industry, covers over 500 square miles of water - from Swansea Bay in the west, right up to the second Severn Bridge crossing.

"This is a major step-change for ABP in South Wales. We have completely changed the way our marine department works by implementing a system which will not only enhance the safety of users along the Severn Estuary but also improve the service we can offer shipping lines and port users," said Budha Majumdar, ABP Port Director, South Wales Ports.

Previously, marine personnel at each individual ABP port in South Wales would communicate to a ship via the telephone or radio to bring the vessel into and out of the harbour. Now, ABP has invested in closed circuit television (CCTV) and four new radars located at strategic points along the estuary, in addition to new vessel-management software and radio technology. This investment enables ABP to provide a comprehensive service, as Captain Philip Holliday, Marine Manager, ABP South Wales Ports, explained:

"We have established an information centre that will assist mariners in bringing their vessels into and out of the Severn Estuary safely and efficiently. With the new radars, we can visually monitor and track ships across the whole estuary and provide more accurate and relevant information to help the mariner with on-board decision making. The new CCTV that we have installed will also allow us to monitor the lock entrances at our ports and observe ships coming into and out of port."

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Captain Norman Lloyd-Edwards, said:

"I congratulate ABP on this fine initiative and major development in the commercial attraction of the Severn Estuary ports. As a sailor myself, I know that vessel-traffic management is a key part of running a successful, efficient and safe port or harbour, and this system, I am sure, will prove invaluable to users of the estuary for many years to come."

24th May 2004

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