Main concernsof ports and harbors
Risk of collision between ships
As vessels are constantly navigating in and around harbors and ports, there is always a risk of collision. Boats may collide as a result of one or both vessels not following the traffic rules, or due to human error. These collisions can be extremely dangerous and costly for each boat involved, and can also cause damage to the harbor infrastructure.
In order to avoid this, it is important to have a traffic monitoring system in place that monitors the position and collision risk of the vessels in the harbor. Taking steps to prevent this will save time and money for your harbor or port in the long-term.
Inefficient berthing services
Good berthing facilities are extremely important in harbors as they ensure the safety of boats and people in the area. If boats are not securely tied to the berth, they may come loose and start to drift in the water.
In this case, some type of collision is virtually guaranteed. Again, an accident in the harbor can be costly and dangerous.
Inefficient maritime transport for passengers and goods
In order to maintain a professional, reliable reputation, ports and harbors need to ensure smooth, efficient management. These areas of busy marine traffic must be well-monitored and controlled at all times. This usually requires a monitoring system that will track the movement of all vessels day and night.
Apart from helping solidify your reputation for safety, running an efficient harbor or port also significantly reduces costs for your customers. Passengers will expend less on their fare and time spent in the vessel, whereas shippers can minimize their costs in relation to tariffs and vessel storage time. These are huge benefits to your customers and will give your harbor or port a distinct competitive advantage.
This makes customers more likely to choose your facility, and more likely to return. Inefficiency in the running of your site will make it difficult to maintain or increase the traffic you receive.
Congestion problems
Congestion problems are a constant risk for ports and harbors. If there are delays or any technical problems with the site facilities, it can rapidly lead to a traffic blockage.
Vessels often spend a short amount of time at a port when unloading goods, and expect to be able to depart again quickly. They also expect a berth to be available at their appointed time.
Extreme weather conditions
Along the coast, weather conditions can be extreme and volatile. Strong gusts of wind and high waves can disrupt marine traffic and make it much more difficult to keep control of vessels. This means that weather must be anticipated.
Having regular access to weather forecasts is a key factor in preventing accidents or dangerous conditions at the harbor. This helps you to identify dangerous periods ahead and take appropriate precautions for these weather conditions.
Safety
Of course, the most important thing for harbors and ports is to ensure the safety of site employees and of ship passengers. The loading and unloading of cargo, combined with the risk of falling into the water can make these sites potentially very hazardous.
To minimize the risks, it is imperative to constantly track and monitor the location of each person. If they encounter danger, it is then possible to come to their aid as quickly as possible.
The solutions offered by TZ Coastal Monitoring
Closely monitor and track movements in the harbor or port
Each of the above risks can be greatly reduced by installing the TZ Coastal Monitoring solution. This system allows you to avoid congestion problems with inefficient transport, goods and passengers. It achieves this as a result of its ability to monitor harbor traffic in real time.
By integrating one or two Radars with the Coastal Monitoring solution, you will be able to display the position on-screen of each target within your selected range. ARPA and AIS targets are automatically acquired and will be tracked and displayed on your monitor. The user can configure highly-personalized alarms so that you will be notified immediately in case of dangerous vessel movement.
Customized boundary can also be used to monitor the anchorage area so that you can be immediately notified when a vessel leaves the area.
TZ Coastal Monitoring has the big advantage of being an open system, allowing the user to easily link it to other programs that will send an automatic text or email to remotes devices such as a smart phone.
By using this solution, surveillance is made extremely simple and allows for a virtually instantaneous response to dangerous situations.
Ensure safety
In addition to Radar information, the user can integrate thermal Cameras in order to clearly view close-range movement of vessels and people. Day or night, you will be able to clearly distinguish objects and people. This is particularly useful for the safety of passengers or employees at the harbor or port. If someone has an accident, the cameras will allow you see what has happened.
Up to 12 Cameras can be integrated and controlled directly using the cursor or a dedicated Joystick.
Customized rules can be created so that vessels entering specific areas are automatically tracked by the closest or predetermined camera(s).
Display the camera in a small box (picture in picture) or on a dedicated full screen monitor with augmented reality information.
These functions allow you to carefully monitor the area and customize settings based on your particular needs.
Record and replay past events
For administrative purposes, it is very important have a record of events. This is often needed after a collision etc. The optional Record and Replay Module is extremely useful for harbors and ports. This module will allow you to record boat movements, radar images and videos. The integration of up to four VHF radios with TZ Coastal Monitoring lets the user record VHF communications and refer to it afterwards. These record and replay functions are absolutely invaluable to harbors and ports.
Track real-time weather and forecast
TZ Coastal Monitoring lets the user minimize the risk of unexpected extreme weather conditions thanks to free and unlimited Weather forecast downloads. This weather information can be easily displayed on-screen and overlaid across your navigation chart helping you to take precautions in case of dangerous weather.
It is also possible to integrate wind sensors with this system so that you can view real-time information on your screen as well.
For these reasons, TZ Coastal Monitoring is the perfect surveillance solution for harbors and ports.
Installation Diagram Example
The diagram (Fig.1) illustrates an example of small harbor installation.
Small harbor installation - Fig.1
The diagram (Fig.2) illustrates an example of medium harbor installation.
Monitoring area is expanded with an additional radar and additional camera.
Medium harbor installation - Fig.2
Users
Harbors are areas of water along the coast where vessels can be stored or seek shelter from inclement weather. Ports are facilities used for loading and unloading vessels and can be found within harbors.
This monitoring solution also responds to the needs of artificial/natural harbors, ice-free harbors, dry docks, ferry slips, floating docks, jetties, marinas, piers, pontoons, quays, wharfs, anchorages and moorings.
These ports and harbors usually consist of a type of platform on which there are fixed constructions, such as sheds, fuel tanks, offices etc. Other temporary equipment such as cranes, van carriers, transtainers, etc. can also be present.
TZ Coastal Monitoring is suitable for all types of ports and harbors such as:
Inland ports
Fishing ports
Dry ports
Warm water ports
Seaports
Cruise home ports
