Media Release

New Delhi, Oct 21: The Minister of State for Shipping (I/C), Mansukh Mandaviya on October 21 e-launched the development of an indigenous software solution for Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) and Vessels Traffic Monitoring Systems (VTMS) in the city.

In the inaugural address, Mandaviya laid emphasis on the development of an indigenous system as per the requirement of the country instead of relying on high costing foreign-made software solutions for traffic management of the Indian ports.

Mandaviya said that aligning with the vision of ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’ of prime minister Narendra Modi, ‘Made In India’ VTS and VTMS software will pave the way for ‘Make for the world’ vessel traffic management systems.

VTS and VTMS is a software which determines vessel positions, position of other traffic or meteorological hazard warnings and extensive management of traffic within a port or waterway. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) contributes to the safety of life at sea, safety and efficiency of navigation and protection of the marine environment, adjacent shore areas, worksites and offshore installations from possible adverse effects of maritime traffic. Vessels Traffic Management Systems are installed in some of the busiest waters in the world, and are making valuable contributions to safer navigation, more efficient traffic flow, and protection of the environment. Traffic flow in busy approach routes, access channels, and harbours can be coordinated safely, in the best interest of the port and its users. Incidents and emergency situations can be dealt with quickly. Data from traffic movements can be stored and used as reference information for port administration, port authorities, coastguards and search and rescue services.

VTMS is mandatory under IMO Convention SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea). The VTMS traffic image is compiled and collected by means of advanced sensors such as radar, AIS, direction finding, CCTV and VHF or other co-operative systems and services. A modern VTMS integrates all the information into a single operator working environment for ease of use and in order to allow effective traffic organization and communication.

Presently, India has approximately 15 VTS systems operational along the Indian Coast and there is no uniformity of VTS software as each system has its own VTS software. With the indigenous software development in progress, the recent positive cooperation with the office of the Director-General of Light and Lighthouses (DGLL) on the joint development of the indigenous VTMS software development as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative will strengthen the cooperation in this area. At the same time, it will benefit the port sector, both in India and the region. It is expected that a prototype system will be developed in a ten-month time for testing and to operate as a parallel system until it is robust for day to day operations.

The development of the indigenous VTS software will reduce the expenditure of foreign exchange on this issue and also minimize the dependence on foreign support for VTS software.

• Accordingly, indigenous development of VTS software will benefit with respect to:
• Saving of foreign exchange for various VTSs in India
• VTS Software can be provided to Indian trade-friendly nations namely Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Bangladesh and Gulf countries
• Will also minimize the cost for future upgradations of software
• Shall be easier to interconnect with MIS/ERP softwares of ports
• Availability of Indian VTS software shall make Indian companies to be competitive commercially in global bids

The implementation of the National Maritime Domain Awareness programme of the Indian Navy and NCVTS by DGLL – a real-time, interactive aid to the navigation system for coastal shipping shall become feasible with the Indian VTS software at a low cost.

The Ministry of Shipping has sanctioned an amount of Rs 10 Crore to IIT, Chennai for the development of indigenous VTS software.

Senior officials of the Ministry of Shipping, chairpersons of the major ports and representatives of IIT, Chennai were also present through virtual means during the event.