Vessel Traffic Management

We have built up specialist expertise in vessel traffic management through numerous projects. To cope with increasing demand for security, the German Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration is currently setting up a new technology to monitor and control vessel traffic better and more efficiently than previously: an automatic ship identification system called „Automatic Identification System“ (AIS).

AIS allows ships around the world to identify themselves with the help of on-board devices that provide information on their position, course, speed, destination, cargo and other data. ASI also serves to prevent collisions at sea, enabling ships to exchange information with one another and with coastal Vessel Traffic Systems (VTS) centres. 

ESG is the prime contractor for the entire project since January 2008, following the completion in 2005 of the German gateway to transmit vessel data in conjunction with the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM). Over the next few years, we will develop all of the required software, integrate it into the full system and put it into operation. The system will be installed at 36 shore stations along the German coasts and the Kiel Canal and at 3 traffic data centres in Brunsbüttel, Lübeck and Wilhelmshaven. We are also equiping the Windpark Bard Offshore 1 (about 100km north of the island Borkum) with AIS technology.

Further information:

AIS - German Coast (223 KB)