Customer: EU, DG XIII

Duration: August 2003 – April 2004

Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) and Vessel Traffic Management and Information Systems (VTMIS) currently operate on a local (e.g. port VTS) or nationa (e.g. coastal VTS) basis mainly. From a European point of view locally or nationally available information could improve the efficiency of such services assuming improved communication between existing systems.
VTMIS NET aims at added values from interlinking of VT(MI)S to establish local, regional and European VT(MI)S networks. Expected added values are:
• improved dissemination of traffic information for traffic and transport operations and management
• access to vessels’ data
• access to cargo data when required for safety reasons
• dissemination of marine pollution information
• VTMIS NET objectives therefore are :
• a methodology, guidelines and examples for development of a VTMIS network in technical, institutional, administrative, financial and legal aspects based on the conditions within participating countries
• a specification of an appropriate architectural network of all relevant system levels
• tools for enhanced network operations allowing for interoperability of individual local solutions
• an information exchange network to promote efficient and safe flow of traffic and intermodal transport services
• introduction of a marine pollution information system as part of a VTMIS information network
• means to monitor the development of the network, to evaluate systems and services and to steer further development of the network towards an EU wide vessel traffic management and information system.
VTMIS NET provides an information interchange network for already existing VTS, VTMIS, navigational, emergency, monitoring of the marine environment and other transport related information services and vessels. A major objective is to encourage the providers and users of VTMIS-related information to proceed to use the network after the conclusion of the project. It is therefore essential that the network is being established according to real cases.By establishing the network use will be made of existing installations, services and communication networks and links. Development work is required to provide interface software, common protocols and message formats, human-computer interfaces, interconnection networks and geographical information systems (GIS) functionalities.

Role of TREDIT:
– Validation and quality assurance workpackages
– Development of protocol
– Human computer interfaces