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Posted: January 26th, 2023
Analysis and Evaluation on Cost and Benefit of VTS in Marine Science
Vessel traffic services (VTS) are shore-side systems that provide information and guidance to ships, such as the position of other traffic, meteorological hazards, navigation aids, and port regulations. VTS aim to enhance the safety, efficiency, and environmental protection of maritime navigation and operations. VTS are regulated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and implemented by national authorities according to local needs and conditions.
The cost and benefit of VTS depend on various factors, such as the size and complexity of the waterway, the volume and type of traffic, the level of service provided, the technology used, and the stakeholders involved. A comprehensive analysis and evaluation of these factors is essential to justify the establishment, improvement, or expansion of VTS in a given area.
Costs of VTS
The costs of VTS can be divided into capital costs and operational costs. Capital costs include the acquisition, installation, and maintenance of equipment, such as radars, cameras, sensors, communication systems, computers, software, and display consoles. Capital costs also include the construction or renovation of buildings, such as control centers, towers, or stations. Operational costs include the salaries and training of personnel, such as operators, supervisors, managers, technicians, and instructors. Operational costs also include the utilities, consumables, insurance, and licenses required for the operation of VTS.
The capital costs of VTS vary widely depending on the scope and scale of the project. For example, a study by the European Commission estimated that the capital costs of establishing a new VTS in a medium-sized port ranged from 2.5 to 15 million euros. The operational costs of VTS also depend on the level of service provided, which can range from information service to traffic organization service to navigational assistance service. For example, a study by Transport Canada estimated that the annual operational costs of providing information service in a large port were about 1.2 million Canadian dollars.
Benefits of VTS
The benefits of VTS can be categorized into direct benefits and indirect benefits. Direct benefits are those that can be quantified and measured in monetary terms, such as the reduction of accidents, delays, fuel consumption, emissions, or insurance premiums. Indirect benefits are those that are qualitative or intangible, such as the improvement of situational awareness, communication, coordination, cooperation, or reputation.
The direct benefits of VTS can be estimated by comparing the frequency and severity of incidents before and after the implementation of VTS in a given area. For example, a study by Transport Canada found that the implementation of VTS in Saint John reduced the number of collisions by 75% and the number of groundings by 67%. The indirect benefits of VTS can be assessed by surveying or interviewing the users and stakeholders of VTS, such as ship operators, pilots, port authorities, coast guards, or environmental agencies. For example, a study by the European Commission found that 90% of ship operators and 80% of pilots rated VTS as good or very good in terms of enhancing safety.
Conclusion
VTS are valuable systems that can improve the safety, efficiency, and environmental protection of maritime navigation and operations. However, VTS also entail significant costs that need to be justified by a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of their benefits. The cost-benefit analysis of VTS should consider various factors that affect both the supply and demand sides of VTS in a given area. The analysis should also use reliable data and methods to estimate the direct and indirect benefits of VTS for different users and stakeholders.
Bibliography
: European Commission (2018) Study on New Trends in Globalisation in Shipbuilding
and Marine Supplies: Consequences for European Industrial
and Trade Policy
: Transport Canada (2020) Cost-Benefit Analysis for Marine Navigation Services
: International Maritime Organization (2023) Vessel Traffic Services
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