3D vessel monitoring system, a Tasmanian first

For the first time in a Tasmanian port, a shore-based LIDAR will be used to monitor vessel berthing movements. This remote sensing technology will help to make the Port of Devonport smarter and safer.

TasPorts has been working in collaboration with Frontier Automations to install the new technology at Terminal 2. A series of 3D Lidar scanners have been installed on existing infrastructure to automatically detect and track in real time, shipping vessels within range of a berth. The scanners provide information on critical distances to mooring infrastructure, on vessel speed, and on vessel movement directions and orientations.

This is especially important at the final manoeuvring stage, when the speed of approach, distance, and berthing angle must be precisely determined.

The system helps to better understand how vessels berth on a regular basis to inform future design and when an asset inspection may need to be undertaken as a result irregular berthing event. And it has the capability to notify relevant parties immediately if drift-off is to occur in adverse weather conditions.

Maritime safety will always be our number one priority and we welcome LIDAR to as a great addition to our safety capability.