Thanks to the River Scheldt Radar Network, shipping traffic in the Scheldt area can run safely and smoothly, with the help of Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Scheldt area. The VTS system allows easy exchange of information with key stakeholders in the nautical chain such as pilot services, tug services, ship's agents, waterway authority and port authorities. We are supporting the Schelderadarketen with the construction of two new radar towers.
The assignment
The River Scheldt Radar Network is a Belgian-Dutch organisation that monitors shipping traffic along the North Sea coast, the Zeescheldt and the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal through various systems. It helps to ensure operations in the seaports along the North Sea coast and the Zeescheldt and secure shipping in this region.
To fulfil these services, the River Scheldt Radar Network maintains a network of radar stations along the coast, the Scheldt and the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal. However, due to the construction of the new lock on the Ghent-Terneuzen canal, the network needs to be adapted. Outdated radar stations also need to be replaced and new ones added to improve visibility and accuracy. This is why Antea Group is supporting the construction of the new radar stations.
The solution
The River Scheldt Radar Network is building two new radar posts (or masts) on the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal. These are the radar mast Terneuzen East and the radar mast Autrichehaven A. As these are located on Dutch territory, we joined forces with our Dutch colleagues from Antea Group.
The Terneuzen East radar tower replaces the existing radar post on the lock platform on the south side of the Terneuzen locks. The new radar post is needed to ensure coverage south of the locks.
Our Dutch colleagues carried out preliminary studies with us and designed the tower. We supported the River Scheldt Radar Network in the selection of a contractor and, finally, are also in charge of supervising and monitoring the execution, which is now well under way.
The results
160.000 ships in course
22 unmanned radar towers
5 organised traffic centres
150 km covered
Partners and collaborators
We joined forces with our colleagues from Antea Group The Netherlands for the design and supervision. For the safety section, we worked together with Rodema.
SDG's
With this project, we support the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals:
