DGLL To Launch AIS For Tracking Vessels
By Pritha Dey
Union Shipping Minister G. K. Vasan has dedicated the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) for the Gulf of Kachchh to the nation, at Kandla Port in Gujarat. The concept, design and implementation of the entire scheme was done by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) team, under the Ministry of Shipping.
VTS is a co-ordinated measure and services of a number of sensors like Radars, Automatic Identification System (AIS), etc. and they all are integrated to develop an overall scenario by which appropriate advice can be given to the Master of the vessel. This will help in improving waterways and harbour management, increase shipping efficiency and above all help the regulatory authorities and security agencies in detecting unlawful activities and anti national activities.
Mr. Vasan said in his inaugural speech that the establishment of a VTS for the Gulf of Kachchh had been a long felt need though the completion was delayed due to difficult terrain and logistical challenges. The scheme has been implemented at a cost of about Rs. 165 crore, with 50 percent contribution from DGLL, 25 percent from Gujarat State Maritime Board and 25 percent from Kandla Port Trust.
The service area of this VTS will cover water area of 16500 sq.km. and extend over a coastal stretch of 800 KM at 22 sites from Koteshwar near Sir Creek to Okha on the Saurashtra Coast, to cater to the needs of all the ports of the Gulf of Kachchh.
This is one of the largest systems in the world presently catering to requirements of 6 ports with capability of extension to ten other ports. However the vessel advisory is available to all the vessels plying in the entire Gulf.
