Rutter Technologies Receives Second Order for RADAR-100S6 System

Since opening to deeper draft vessels in 1959, more than two billion tonnes of cargo estimated at $300b has moved along the St. Lawrence. The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation continuously evaluates new technology in its quest to build upon its systems for the safe, reliable movement of vessels. Earlier this year, Rutter Technologies was successful in winning an order for a bridge-mounted radar system to track vessel traffic approaching that bridge. The requirement had some unique technical challenges, including the ability to be remotely monitored and controlled from the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation's control centre some 60 kilometers away. As a result of the performance of this first system, Rutter Technologies has now received a second order for its RADAR-100S6 system. The system will be deployed for surveillance on another of the 18 bridges the Corporation manages on the St. Lawrence. "Historically these bridges have been monitored by cameras and/or individuals stationed on the bridge," said Byron Dawe, President of Rutter Technologies, Products Division. "Our RADAR-100S6 system reliably tracks smaller vessels at farther distances, day or night, irrespective of weather conditions. With the remote control and monitoring, this provides a very safe, practical and cost effective solution. This will actually be our fourth radar system deployment on the St. Lawrence this year," Dawe added. "In addition to these bridge monitoring systems, Rutter has also supplied two Sigma S6 Ice Navigator Systems to the Canadian Coast Guard for monitoring ice jams and ice conditions in the Lac St-Pierre portion of the St. Lawrence River, slightly upstream of Trois-Rivières (Québec). They will be tested during the 2007-2008 winter operations."