India launches development of indigenous vessel traffic software

October 21, 2020: Minister of state for shipping Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday has e-launched the development of indigenous software solution for vessel traffic services (VTS) and vessels traffic monitoring systems (VTMS) in New Delhi and has sanctioned an amount of ₹10 crore to IIT, Chennai for the software development.

He emphasised on the development of the 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.

“Aligning with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat of prime minster Narendra Modi, Made In India VTS and VTMS software will pave the way for ‘Make for the world’ vessel traffic management systems,” he added.

VTS, VTMS
VTS and VTMS are software which determines vessel positions, the position of other traffic or meteorological hazard warnings and extensive management of traffic within a port or waterway.
Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) contribute 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 contribution 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 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.

Indigenous software solution for Vessel Traffic Management System for port sector inaugurated promoting #MakeinIndia #Atamnirbhar Bharat. The development will promote Indian industry, support neighbouring countries and facilitate networking for Maritime Security. pic.twitter.com/Yih6vmYTIs

— Ministry of Shipping (@shipmin_india) October 20, 2020

IMO regulation
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 of the information into a single operator working environment for ease of use and in order to allow for effective traffic organization and communication.

Current status in India
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 office of Director General of Light and Lighthouses (DGLL) on 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 region. It is expected that a prototype system will be developed in Ten-month time for testing and to operate as a parallel system until it is robust for day to day operations.

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:

i. Saving of foreign exchange for various VTSs in India.
ii. VTS Software can be provided to Indian trade-friendly nations viz. Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Bangladesh and Gulf countries.
iii. Will also minimize the cost for future upgradations of software.
iv. Shall be easier to interconnect with MIS/ERP software of ports.
v. Availability of Indian VTS software shall make Indian companies competitive commercially in global bids.