Geelong Port Introduces Advanced Docking Technology
A new docking system at Refinery Pier in Geelong, Victoria would allow large ships to berth safely and efficiently in all weather conditions, the Victorian Regional Channels Authority (VRCA) said today (Wednesday, April 23).
The SmartDock system, a 1.75-metre display board, would be mounted on a turntable on the jetty and controlled by a central computer system.It would show the speed of a ship approaching in centimetres per second as well as the distance in metres.A green, yellow and red traffic light system would assist in the docking process by flashing at pre-set distances as the vessel approached.
The display board would be visible from more than 200 metres.
Ports minister Tim Pallas said that SmartDock would improve port safety and commercial efficiency in all weather conditions.He said that Geelong was the first port in Victoria and the second in Australia to install the SmartDock system. “Geelong is one of the largest ports in Australia and it is important that its facilities continue to be first class,” Mr Pallas said.
Geelong Port Education Site Launched
The Victorian Regional Channels Authority are proud to launch another new website.
"My Port, My Place, My Geelong" is the new education website that is an integral part of their schools education program. The program has been running since 2005 and is targeted at school children to come and become part of the workings of the Geelong Port for a day. The site contains large amounts of information about how the port operates, who uses it and many historical facts.
(Mini-MP3-Player v2.2 (c) Ute Jacobi - unregistered version - Only Free for NonCommercial Website)
VRCA – Safety of navigation is our priority
One of VRCA’s principal functions is to exercise general direction and control of the movement of vessels and the safety of all vessels in port waters is a priority
If an approaching big ship is blowing its whistle it means:
A recent news report from the Geelong Business News interviewed Captain Peter McGovern about the new installation of the beacons. To read the news report Click Here
Automatic Identification System (AIS)
It is an international requirement for all commercial ships to be fitted with a radio device that transmits their name and other details continuously. VRCA receives these radio transmissions and displays the ship's name, geographical position, course and speed on screens in its head office and the office of Geelong Port Marine Control. The displayed information is used to monitor the progress of traffic in the Geelong channels. It is also recorded for future reference and can be played back if investigation of an incident is required.
New Beacon Lights Installed
Geelong's shipping channels are marked by steel-piled beacons with solar powered lights. In 2007 the beacons - 77 in all - were refurbished to the most up-to-date standards. Each beacon has a highly visible top covered in highly reflective material with a solar-powered light. The project is a $7 million investment by the VRCA in the future of the Port of Geelong - maximising access for commercial shipping and minimising risk for all channel users.
New Tidal Gauge - Now Online
Tidal information is very important for deeply loaded ships accessing the port. The depth of water under the ship's keel is dependent on the height of tide. VRCA has installed new, state-of-the-art tide gauges at both ends of the channel to ensure that accurate information is available in real-time for all ships. In addition, the tide gauge installations include anemometers to measure wind direction and force.
Tide and wind information is displayed on screens in the VRCA main office and the Geelong Port Marine Control.
Both AIS and Tide Gauges are an element of the VRCA's policy to minimise the risks associated with shipping in the Geelong channels.
