Provision of Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) on the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal (GTC)

ongoing

The Action is part of the global project of modernising the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal, which is a cross-border link in the North Sea - Mediterranean Core Network Corridor. This project aims to provide Vessel Traffic Services (VTS), by expanding the radar and VHF coverage, in the Belgian side of the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal, to ensure safe and efficient vessel traffic. This Action has the following objectives: - Construction of five new radar posts (and supporting installations) along the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal in Flanders to reach full radar coverage of the canal. - Expansion and adjustment of the marine VHF (very high frequency) radio coverage by installing new transceivers and adapting existing transceivers and creating an extra VHF channel - Integration of the radar images from the five new radar posts in the radar observation system of the Scheldt Radar Network and full VHF integration and optimisation of the information exchange between the IT systems. - Reorganisation and modernisation of the Traffic Centre Zelzate bridge, from where VTS for the Flemish side of the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal will be organised. The implementation of VTS on the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal will have important impacts: - VTS will make vessel traffic much safer as every movement will be closely monitored. The increased safety benefits the users of the canal, the local residents and the environment. - VTS will make vessel traffic much more efficient. With the entire traffic flow mapped out, a better planning of moveable bridges, vessel crossing, pilotage and tugboats will become possible. - The Action will also have an impact on a macro level by facilitating economic, mainly growth of North Sea Port, companies located in the ports and along the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal, and the hinterland. Economic growth leads to the creation of additional jobs.