NEW DELHI, July 25: In its bid to modernise port operation, the Ministry of Surface Transport (MoST) has decided to instal state-of-art Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) -- a radar surveillance system for effective navigation of ships -- at New Mangalore, Mormugao and Kandla ports at a cost of Rs 45 crore.

Not only will the system help obviate difficulties in movement of vessels, it will also ensure safe pilotage of vessels at the port channels), thereby reducing the risk of accidents. Ministry sources said the system was introduced as the number of vessels handled at the New Mangalore, Mormugao and Kandla ports had increased by nearly 40 per cent in the last three years. In fact, the port authorities had received several complaints from pilots about congestion, which increased the risk of accidents. The new system, equipped with radars, video extractors, tracking and colour displays, will provide valuable aids to movement and protection of vessels.

Besides, there is VHF communication system for speech communication between the ships and the control centre, with a facility to all kinds of data regarding specific vessels, dangerous goods being carried, list of vessels expected. The system will be integrated with Global Positioning System, which provides supplementary sensor system. The investment in VTMS has already been approved by the Planning Commission.

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