Vessel traffic management system launched

MANILA, Philippines — A P737.25-million vessel traffic management system (VTMS) designed to ensure maritime safety and ease  transport of goods and people has been launched in Cebu, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) announced yesterday.

The VTMS is part of the ongoing development cooperation between the JICA and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). It was aimed to strengthen maritime safety in key areas in the country.

“Maritime safety is indispensable to Philippine development. The VTMS technology can help ensure maritime safety along the Mactan Channel, which has one of the busiest sea traffic in the Philippines, and facilitate movement of people and goods efficiently,” JICA chief representative Susumu Ito said in a statement.

He said by facilitating safety in its ports and seas, Central Visayas could  help sustain the country’s economic growth and create jobs.

The project was initiated by the PCG and JICA following a ferry collision in Talisay City that killed more than 100 people and left 21 others missing.

The VTMS comprises radar stations in Talisay and Bantolinao Point as well as on inter-bridges.

A control center was installed at the Coast Guard District Central Visayas in Cebu.

In addition to the VTMS, the JICA also provided communications systems for vessels of the PCG and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources as well as PCG district offices.

The enhancements on the PCG coastal communication system could help address traffic in ports, and maritime crimes and accidents, JICA officials  said

Citing data from the Maritime Industry Authority, the JICA said there were 3,157 maritime accidents recorded in the country between 2011 and 2016.

These accidents were caused mainly by the increased volume of passengers and cargo between islands, use of antiquated vessels, cargo overloading, unskilled ship handling techniques, as well as Philippine climatic and geographic features.