Tallin VTS joined the stm (STM), which aims to improve traffic safety and provide vessel traffic services to know vessels’ intentions and sailing plans.
The Estonian centre is the first shore centre outside EU-funded projects. In the capital of the country, Tallinn, Wärtsilä has also installed a system for the STM functions. Namely, a screen shows the STM system in the VTS centre and gives an overview of traffic situations.
The first five shore centres that have been STM-enabled are:
- Gothenburg;
- Sweden;
- The Danish national surveillance centre;
- The VTS in Horten and Kvitsöy, Norway;
- VTS Tarifa in Spain.
Saab, Navicon, Kongsberg and Wärtsilä are the four suppliers of STM-enabled systems.
Commenting on the future of VTS, Are Piel, Head of VTS Department, Estonian Maritime Administration said that the route exchange system is important to ensure vessel traffic safety.
If we can predict possible conflicts between vessels early enough, it is much easier to rearrange traffic safely and smoothly. It also allows providing more accurate time of arrival thus implement just in time concept which reduces sailing expenses.
As for unmanned ships, Mr. Piel said that STM-enabled systems would be vital to provide grounds for safe vessel traffic.
