The agreement ensures that PTP will be equipped with a radar-based vessel traffic system (VTS) to manage and control all shipping activity within the port’s waters. With this system, PTP will ensure an efficient flow of traffic entering and exiting the port.

 

The Rapads itself will provide a visual display of all shipping activity, provide collision avoidance and potential grounding information for all PTP traffic within the approach channel and precautionary area off Tanjung Piai.

 

Out of almost 500 traffic casualties in the Malacca Straits between 1975 and 1995, 27 per cent involved collision or contact. Hours before the agreement was signed, tow oil tankers collided 11 miles from the port, further underlining the need for such a system.

 

The agreement was signed by Mohd Sidik Shaik Osman, CEO of PTP, Shahiran Jaafar, Senior Manager for Puncak Teknologi and Laurent Amiel, international business development representative for Solrelog.

 

Puncak Teknologi (M) Sdn Bhd is a local company which specializes in integration of high technology applications in the maritime industry.

 

Sofrelog is a high technology company which designs and produces maritime defence and aerospace application.

 

During his welcoming speech, Mohd Sidik said: “PTP’s new VTS system ensures a highly efficient flow of vessels in PTP waters. This will be especially critical with our expansion plans and turnaround time will be kept to its optimum. With the Rapads, safety and security of our customers’ vessels will be further enhanced within the port waters.”

 

The signing ceremony was attended by representatives from government agencies, the shipping sector and representatives from PTP, Puncak Teknologi and Sofrelog