Today's VTS centres have to cope with a vast amount of port traffic, as well as many safety, security and environmental obligations. In addition, the commercial pressures on a VTS demand rapid and reliable transport schedules. Ledwood Technology's solutions for such VTS Centres build on the common IRIS platform used in all IRIS solutions, but includes within it the enhanced capability to meet these requirements.

Cost effective

The flexibility of the IRIS solution allows the user to purchase only those components that are needed to cover their requirements.  In this way, unnecessary cost-escalation is avoided. System upgrades and extensions can be considered on an as-needed basis enabling you to better target your requirements and manage associated costs.

Managing change

Over time, the requirements of a VTS centre will change, and many systems cannot be easily upgraded. However, the IRIS solution allows any number of modules, features and products to be added on at a later date, creating a system which evolves with your changing requirements.

Flexible licence management agreements simplify setup or redeployment of your operations centres, either permanently or temporarily (for example during emergencies or events).

High volume of vessel traffic

During times of high traffic density, IRIS VTS is invaluable in maintaining the efficient movement of traffic through the waterways. Avoiding traffic delays increases the operational hours of the VTS area and utilises it more effectively.

Reducing the number of incidents

Safety of marine personnel and vessels is of great importance on the waterways. An efficient, well-managed VTS reduces traffic congestion and is inherently safer. Consequently, fewer incidents are reported under these circumstances. IRIS VTS provides operators with a clear traffic picture enabling them to manage the VTS area more effectively.

Protecting the environment

Protection of the environment is a top priority when running a VTS.  The improved efficiency and reduction in number of incidents within a well co-ordinated VTS keeps pollution to a minimum. Ledwood Technology sees IRIS as a long-term solution in such an environment and has the flexibility to keep up with the ever-changing world of VTS.

Regulatory requirements

IRIS VTS helps your port meet the requirements identified in your formal risk assessment, assisting in managing your obligations under local and international law.

Training and support

Ledwood Technology can offer a range of training and support solutions. Training can cover a range of requirements including operator training and incident investigation, system monitoring and administration. In connection with our recommended training partner, this includes V-103 certified training courses. We can also offer training for in-house IT and maintenance staff, or local support companies to provide on-site administration, diagnostics and maintenance.

Ledwood Technology can offer a wide range of support and maintenance packages ranging from telephone and email support, through to remote online diagnostics and maintenance to on-site support and maintenance.

Areas of restricted view

IRIS VTS sensor networking enables operation over a wide area and extends coverage beyond line of site from the operations centre, providing operators with the information they need to make informed decisions.

Retrospective review

IRIS data recorders provide tools to review and analyse collected data enabling investigators to recreate an accurate picture of events as they evolved.

Security

Automatic target tracking integrates with user-definable zones to help detect unwanted traffic behaviour and aid identification of detected contacts.

Using existing infrastructure

By integrating with a large variety of sensors and systems, IRIS can capitalise on existing infrastructure such as CCTV cameras, radars and weather sensors, increasing the value of these existing systems by extending their useful life.

For those who require additional status information about the port, such as data concerning berths, locks, buoy positions and traffic lights, this information can be captured and displayed to the operators within the IRIS VTS system, as well as being recorded alongside the traditional sensor data. 

Ease of maintenance

The IRIS VTS software platform has been designed to integrate with standard IT technologies. This enables existing infrastructure to be used, and for the port to capitalise on existing administration and maintenance expertise.