Vessel traffic services (VTS) modernization

Posted: January 17th, 2025

Vessel traffic services (VTS) modernization
1. Introduction
The modernization of Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) is a critical area of exploration within maritime safety and efficiency, particularly in the context of evolving technological landscapes and operational demands. The literature on this subject reveals significant insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by VTS modernization, as highlighted in the following articles.
In their 2018 study,
(Almeida Costa et al., 2018) emphasize the importance of effective communication within VTS operations, noting that an overreliance on vessels and the shortening of VHF radio communications can undermine safety. They argue that the incoherence in VTS service levels, coupled with uncertainty in mariners’ expectations, necessitates a robust communication framework. The authors advocate for maintaining closed loops in communication to mitigate risks associated with a lack of information technology integration. They stress the need for harmonized training and roles for Vessel Traffic Service Operators (VTSOs) to enhance trust and safety performance, suggesting that the softer aspects of communication should be prioritized to better accommodate the needs of shore operators.
Building on the foundation laid by
(Almeida Costa et al., 2018),
(Sanchez-Gonzalez et al., 2019) delve into the digitalization of maritime transport, highlighting the vast amounts of data generated by maritime equipment. This data presents an opportunity for optimizing processes and improving economic outcomes across the maritime transport chain. Their systematic literature review seeks to clarify the current state of digitalization in maritime transport and identify potential improvements in performance through technological advancements. This focus on digitalization aligns with the need for VTS modernization, as it underscores the importance of leveraging data to enhance operational efficiency and safety.
Furthering the discussion,
(Martelli et al., 2022) explore the implications of Industry 4.0 on marine traffic management, particularly concerning the integration of autonomous ships into existing maritime frameworks. They identify a significant gap between the available data and the marine sector’s capacity to utilize it effectively. The authors propose a new architecture for VTS that incorporates advanced information and communication technology (ICT) and reflects recent innovations in marine engineering. This forward-looking perspective is crucial as it addresses the challenges of integrating human-crewed and uncrewed vessels, advocating for VTS advancements that enable safe, reliable, and efficient navigation in increasingly complex maritime environments.
Together, these articles provide a comprehensive overview of the current discourse surrounding VTS modernization, highlighting the interplay between communication, digitalization, and technological advancements. Each contribution underscores the necessity of evolving VTS frameworks to meet the demands of contemporary maritime operations and enhance overall safety and efficiency.
References:
Almeida Costa, N., Lundh, M., & MacKinnon, S., 2018. Non‑technical communication factors at the Vessel Traffic Services. [PDF]
Sanchez-Gonzalez, P. L., Díaz-Gutiérrez, D., J. Leo, T., & R. Núñez-Rivas, L., 2019. Toward Digitalization of Maritime Transport?. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Martelli, M., Virdis, A., Gotta, A., CassarÀ, P., & Di Summa, M., 2022. An Outlook on the Future Marine Traffic Management System for Autonomous Ships. [PDF]