Port of Antwerp-Bruges is taking traffic management to the next level with the launch of an extensive digital radar and camera network.

It said that this advanced equipment scans the entire Antwerp port area and will become the backbone of safe and efficient shipping traffic — and represents another important step towards the realisation of a complete digital nervous system covering the Antwerp port area following the recent launch of a drone network.

 [Photo: Port of Antwerp-Bruges]

Antwerp port area covers more than 120 km2 with 11,000 hectares of waterways and quays, and more than 300,000 shipping movements take place in the port every year.

"In order to continuously monitor the entire area, as well as all shipping movements, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges has expanded and digitised its camera and radar infrastructure," the announcement said.

Port of Antwerp-Bruges noted that the 460 cameras and 22 radars are directly connected to the Antwerp Coordination Centre and provide operational services such as Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) and the Harbour Master's Office with a comprehensive view of the port.

This allows them to monitor shipping and incidents closely and to manage waterways and moorings more efficiently and safely according to the highest IALA (International Association of Lighthouse Authorities) standards.

The images are then viewed and analysed by colleagues with police powers and can also be shared with security services and other authorities.

Digitisation of the entire network

"With this network launching today, the port now has one of the most advanced and high-performance systems of any port in the world. Thanks to the digitisation of the entire network, it is also ready to be connected to APICA (Advanced Port Information and Control Assistant), the port's digital twin," the port said.

  [Photo: Port of Antwerp-Bruges]

It added that this digital copy of the entire port area provides a scan every second to create a real-time picture of what is happening at the port based on thousands of pieces of data from a network of cameras, sensors and drones.

"Operational since 2022, APICA supports port workers to gain visibility into the situation on the ground quickly, and, therefore, to carry out their work more safely and efficiently," it further said, adding that the smart cameras are equipped with specially designed artificial intelligence that allows them to recognise ships.

  [Photo: Port of Antwerp-Bruges]

"In combination with detailed radar data, this real-time data will further increase situational awareness in the future in order to evolve towards predictive and steering behaviour," the port added.

Rob Smeets, Chief Operations Officer Port of Antwerp-Bruges this network is a "great asset" to the port in terms of safety and operational efficiency.

"The new sensors form the technological backbone of shipping guidance. In the past, there were a few blind spots in the port area where we had no insight into unexpected shipping movements or incidents. Thanks to the successful cooperation with our concessionaires, we have been able to install radars and cameras in many new locations. There isn't a single centimetre of the terrain that escapes this extensive network," Smeets said.

Erwin Verstraelen, chief digital and innovation officer of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, said the network is "essential for the further rollout of a digital nervous system across the physical port to support a safer and more secure port."

"Integrating this data into the digital twin brings us closer to the goal of having a finger on the pulse of what is happening in the vast port area permanently and everywhere," he said.