Australia: The Darwin Port Corporation is going live this week with its Vessel Traffic Service (VTS).
Up until only a couple of weeks ago, the corporation's harbour control consisted of radio contact with large and small vessels all without any visibility of Darwin Harbour.
The corporation has, over the past few months, taken steps to relocate the control tower offices to its Fort Wharf Facilities and provide them with training on new technology for Port of Darwin Harbour control, including digital charts, an Automatic Information System (AIS) and radar capabilities.
"With the increase in commercial shipping in the channel escalating to around 5,500 movements, there was a critical need for state-of-the-art technology to be introduced to enrure the safety of all harbour users and ensure future growth," said Darwin Port Corporation CEO Robert Richie.