Kongsberg to Install New VTS System at Australia's Port Hedland
Cubierto por 3 fuentesPublicado
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- Portal PortuarioAustralia: Kongsberg suministrará sistema de gestión del movimiento marítimo a Pilbara Ports
- Hellenics Shipping newsKONGSBERG secures contract with Pilbara Ports in Australia
Pilbara Ports Authority confirmed the delivery of a new Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) system for the Port of Port Hedland, in Western Australia. The announcement was made during the Safe Ships Safe Ports Forum 2026, with Kongsberg Norcontrol Pty Ltd awarded the contract to develop the new system.
Contract scope
According to the sources, the agreement is structured as a system-as-a-service model spanning 10 years. The system will incorporate radar, electro-optical sensors, Automatic Identification System (AIS) technology and VHF communications, while also integrating vessel tracking, CCTV and meteorological and oceanographic data to give operators a real-time view of activity across port waters. Kongsberg will also be responsible for the maintenance and support of both the new Port Hedland system and the existing VTS at the Port of Dampier.
Statements from executives
Pilbara Ports CEO Samuel McSkimming explained that the high level of maritime traffic at Port Hedland created the need for a robust and reliable VTS system capable of accurately tracking vessel movements across the entire service area and helping to ensure efficient response times. Meanwhile, Lene Vesterlund, General Manager of Kongsberg Norcontrol, said the company was once again selected by Pilbara Ports to extend VTS and 24/7 service provision to Port Hedland, building on the system and managed service already operating in Dampier.
Context of the announcement
The confirmation came on the first day of the Safe Ships Safe Ports Forum, which brought together more than 900 maritime leaders and experts from Australia and around the world at Optus Stadium for two days of discussions centred on strengthening maritime safety through collaboration, innovation and leadership. Ports Minister Stephen Dawson noted that the new VTS system will ensure the Port of Port Hedland continues to be supported by modern, reliable technology that drives safety and efficient port operations.
Pilbara Ports' scale
According to Port Technology, Pilbara Ports is the world's largest bulk export port authority, handling around 80 percent of Australia's iron ore exports. In the 2025-26 financial year, the authority managed a record volume of 804.1 million tonnes of imports and exports through the ports of Ashburton, Dampier, Port Hedland and Varanus Island. The value of the contract with Kongsberg was not disclosed.
