Port of Cochin upgrades Wärtsilä equipment

The technology group says that its upgraded VTMS will enable seamless coverage of the port’s radar and automatic identification system (AIS) for traffic monitoring and control, thereby raising the existing safety and efficiency levels. The Navi-Harbour VTS software also provides an interactive and user-friendly interface for the system’s operator.

Wärtsilä and CoPT have also signed a five-year comprehensive annual maintenance contract (CAMC) for the upgraded system and a six-year CAMC for the existing equipment.

“The existing system at Cochin Port is completing 11 years of continuous use, during which time the number of vessels visiting the port has increased by more than 35%. Because of the continuing growth in shipping traffic, it was necessary to upgrade the VTMS to make it fully technically compliant, and to cope with future requirements,” said Capt. Joseph Alapat deputy conservator Cochin Port Trust, India.