LPA installs new vessel monitoring system

WORK to install a state-of-the-art vessel monitoring system (VMS) at Lerwick Harbour has just got under way.

On Monday, Lerwick Port Authority confirmed that contracts worth £450,000 have been signed with navigation systems provider Transas and local firm H. Williamson & Son, which will install and maintain the new VMS.

As part of the work, which is scheduled to be completed by May next year, the existing radar equipment at Rova Head, Maryfield and Kirkabister will  be decommissioned and removed before engineers install the new system.

Deputy harbour master Alexander Simpson said the investment was another step in the port’s ongoing development programme.

“The new system will modernise Lerwick Harbour’s monitoring system, improving real-time information available to the controllers handling shipping movements and the navigational assistance provided by port control,” he said.

The new VMS will be based on high-end Navi-Harbour software from Transas.

Its hardware equipment scope consists of Class A AIS Transponders, Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine Vision Master radars, a Jotron VHF Communication System, Gill Meteorological sensors, general IT hardware platform and an APC Power backup system.

As part of the project, port control will be fully renovated and Transas will collaborate with the LPA to design a new layout for the service within its Albert Building premises.

LPA handles around 10,000 vessel movements per year.