It will not become obligatory until 1 January 2012
Antwerp Port Authority has launched the pilot phase of the Inland Automatic Identification System (AIS) for barges throughout the port area.
Use of Inland AIS by barges will not become obligatory until 1 January 2012. but in the meantime, the pilot phase will make it possible to prepare properly for the full-scale introduction and to fine-tune the system.
AIS automatically transmits information concerning the name, position, speed and direction of travel of the barge. Introduction of the system will in the first place benefit safety within the port and permit efficient vessel traffic management.
Beyond that the information made available will be of great benefit for making better use of port facilities, managing berths more efficiently, optimising lock operations, dealing more effectively with disasters etc. In the longer term it will be possible to monitor and direct traffic flows proactively from a barge coordination centre.
Antwerp Port Authority has taken this decision in the conviction that the introduction of Inland AIS offers advantages for all parties involved. The system also forms part of the “Barge Master Plan,” which aims to position barge transport better within the overall flow of freight, both commercially and in the use of facilities.
In view of all these advantages the Flemish government has undertaken to promote the system by granting subsidies for purchase and installation of the AIS equipment.
Source: Shipmanagement International
