Radar sensors ensure safe maritime traffic

VEGA’s radar sensors have already been in use for gauge measurement at the water locks of Bremenports, the port operator, for many years. So why not use this measuring principle to measure the distance between ship and quay wall? This idea led to the installation of a pilot project some time ago – with promising results. Soon, nearly 60 VEGAPULS 6X sensors will monitor approaching ships and thus make the harbour much safer. 

The radar sensors are installed at a distance of just under 30 metres from each other in a five-kilometre-long wave chamber, which runs below the quay wall. The antennas of the sensors point horizontally towards the sea and measure the distance to the incoming ships, which can be up to about 90 metres. The measured values, set in relation to each other, show how fast and at what angle a container ship is approaching. Because of the accurate distance monitoring performed by VEGAPULS 6X, the port operating team can promptly recognise deviations from the mooring plan in the Weser estuary – and inform the ship’s crew early enough so that they can take appropriate action. 

Large dynamic range and very good focusing are the big advantages of radar measurement technology. In the container terminal, where salt water, waves and wind are part of the basic conditions, radar measurement is the ideal solution, as it is designed for use in such harsh environments. And it is absolutely reliable and precise even in the presence of:

• Fog
• Condensation 
• Buildup on the antenna

The simple setup and commissioning of VEGAPULS 6X ensures reliable operation and speedy maintenance.

The port operator wants to massively expand the digitalisation of port operations to make mooring processes safer and more efficient. The VEGA radar sensors will help protect the quay walls from damage and at the same time supply important data to

• the ship’s crew, who navigate to the port on the basis of reliable data, as well as to
• the terminal operators, who need it to monitor and plan ahead.

The project is part of the port’s new overall digital concept. It’s called SAMS, which stands for SchiffsAnlegeMessSystem (Ship Mooring Measurement System). The measurement data supplied by VEGAPULS 6X is thus one of the main building blocks for automation of the container terminal.