VTS Goes Mobile with C-Scope

Kongsberg Norcontrol IT (KNC) will this June integrate its advanced C-Scope Web and Mobile Application module into the Norwegian Coastal Administration’s C-Scope Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) systems. The agreement for the C-Scope Mobile Applications, which will provide live VTS information on mobile devices, was signed on May 5, 2014.

The C-Scope Mobile Applications were ordered under the VTS Framework contract established in February 2013 between the Norwegian Coastal Administration (NCA) and KNC. Within this framework, KNC is developing and establishing a new national network of VTS systems based on its 7th generation C-Scope VTS technology. The Norwegian VTS systems benefit from the experience gained in establishing a best-of-breed C-Scope based VTS in Singapore for the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. By 2018, all the regional VTS Centres of Horten, Kvitsøy, Brevik, Fedje, and Vardø will be completed. “We will implement the C-Scope Mobile Application as each VTS Centre is commissioned,” stated Fred Fredriksen, KNC’s Senior Project Manager.

Available for iOS and Android mobile devices, the C-Scope Mobile Application delivers secure, easy to view real-time VTS data for NCA staff. The VTS Traffic Image from the NCA’s five VTS centres along the Norwegian coastline will be available to NCA staff wherever they may be. The C-Scope Mobile Application provides the VTS Traffic Image with Electronic Navigation Charts, bathymetric ENCs, with live fused radar and AIS tracks, shore based radar video, weather and hydro data, and Information source data.

“The C-Scope Mobile Applications are a significant addition to our VTS systems. They ensure that our VTS operators and managers can access vital, real-time VTS data on their tablets and smartphones on a 24/7 basis, which is particularly relevant to enhancing incident management, should key personnel be off-site,” comments Jon Leon Ervik, Head of the Pilotage and VTS Department, NCA.

Per-Erik Kristoffersen, President of Kongsberg Norcontrol IT adds: “We’re pleased that the NCA has chosen one of our newest technologies to join the extensive C-Scope VTS we are delivering to them. Already in use with National VTS Competent Authorities in Spain and South Africa, the C-Scope Mobile Application is a sophisticated but easy to use addition to any C-Scope maritime domain awareness system. Though primarily designed to support shore-based VTS management, because it offers a live VTS Traffic Image, it also has real potential for other uses, such as a Pilot Portable Unit and as an aid for shipping agents. These are all possibilities we are looking into.”

The new C-Scope VTS system in Norway will provide satellite-based earth observation data fully integrated with terrestrial RADAR, AIS, and electro-optic sensors in addition to high-quality, autonomous Radar Data Processing and automatic clutter suppression that doesn't require manual fine-tuning. C-Scope ensures that the operator won't be overwhelmed with information that is not necessary by using intelligent information portrayal features. Enhanced, adaptive decision support and communication tools are fully integrated. A wealth of new features will make the Norwegian VTS the most collaborative C-Scope deployment yet, including a Web and Mobile access module for viewing the real-time VTS Traffic Image and an integrated Chat client.

Another key component of the VTS delivery project is an integrated VTS simulation system, to be located at the NCA regional office in Haugesund, which is the national centre for VTS competence. Kongsberg Maritime has supplied the simulator system, which is able to display both a simulated and live VTS Traffic Image. In addition to the simulator in Haugesund, smaller VTS simulators are being set up at the other VTS centres to conduct local refresher training.