Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) expands on the right bank

Efficient and safe vessel guidance

As of 22 November, Port of Antwerp is rolling out Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) behind the locks on the right bank. Vessel guidance already started on the left bank at the beginning of this year.

Both on the Scheldt and in the Antwerp docks, traffic is increasing. The VTS service ensures more efficient guidance of this traffic by providing advice and information on vessel navigation, weather conditions, calamities and other possible risks. In addition, VTS also guarantees an increase in safety and the protection of the environment in the port. VTS has been operational on the left bank 24 hours a day since April this year. Based on these best practices, services on the right bank are now being added.

Extension to right bank

The implementation of the VTS service on the right bank will take place in two phases. In the first phase, starting on 22 November, Sector Polder will become active on VHF channel 2. Sector Polder covers the northern part of the docks. The VTS service in the southern part will be launched in the spring of 2022. Together with the start of Sector Polder, the functions of some VHF channels will change. For example, the Lillobrug bridge operator will be reachable via VHF channel 2, so that shipping will no longer need to switch to VHF channel 62. The accessibility of the various services is shown here.

VTS - Sector Polder
VTS - Sector Polder

Contact

Eight VTS traffic controllers and twenty-six VTS operators work to ensure safe and smooth traffic from the Antwerp Coordination Centre (ACC) at Zandvlietsluis. If you have any questions, please contact the VTS team at VTS@portofantwerp.com.

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About Port of Antwerp-Bruges

With an overall throughput of 271 million tonnes per year, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is a critical hub in worldwide trade and industry. The port is a crucial link for the handling of containers, breakbulk and for the throughput of vehicles. Port of Antwerp-Bruges is home to 1,400 companies and accommodates the largest integrated chemical cluster in Europe. The port provides, directly and indirectly, a total of around 164,000 jobs and generates an added value of 21 billion euros.
 
The ambition for Port of Antwerp-Bruges is clear - to become the world's first port that reconciles economy, people and climate. As well as growing in a sustainable way, the Port also aims to focus on its unique position as a logistics, maritime and industrial centre and to take the lead in the transition to a circular and low-carbon economy. Together with the port community, customers and other partners, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is actively seeking innovative solutions for a sustainable future. High on the agenda is its responsibility for the environment and the surrounding society. 

The port sites of Antwerp and Zeebrugge are operated by the Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority, a limited liability company of public law with the City of Antwerp and the City of Bruges as its shareholders. The port employs 1,800 people. Vice-Mayor of Antwerp Annick De Ridder is President of the Board of Directors, the Mayor of Bruges Dirk De fauw is the Vice-President. Jacques Vandermeiren is CEO and President of the Executive Committee, which is responsible for the port’s day-to-day management. 

www.portofantwerpbruges.com

The telephone number +32 492 15 41 39 is only for press inquiries. For other questions you can mail to communicatie@portofantwerpbruges.com

Contact

Havenhuis Zaha Hadidplein 1 2030 Antwerp Belgium

+32 492 15 41 39

press@portofantwerpbruges.com

www.portofantwerpbruges.com