In the mid-19th century, maritime navigation began to take shape with the introduction of rules and the establishment of lighthouses, buoys, and other visual signals at ports. These early measures laid the groundwork for what would eventually evolve into the modern Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS). As the water transport industry expanded rapidly, the number of ships surged dramatically. Larger and faster vessels required more space for navigation and docking, leading to severe congestion in confined waters and increasing the complexity of maneuvering. This growing challenge highlighted the need for a more structured and secure system.
Moreover, major maritime accidents accelerated the development of traffic regulations and safety systems. For example, in March 1967, a 110,000-ton Liberian tanker ran aground off the British coast, spilling 80,000 tons of oil and causing massive pollution in the English Channel. The incident shocked neighboring countries, particularly Britain and France, and prompted international efforts to implement a dedicated channel system for safer shipping. Similarly, the collision of two tankers in San Francisco Bay in 1971 led to significant environmental damage, prompting the U.S. to introduce the "Port and Waterway Safety Law" and establish the San Francisco Experimental Ship Traffic System in 1972.
Advancements in communication, radar, data processing, and computer technologies further supported the evolution of VTMS. In 1948, the Port of Liverpool became the first to install a port radar system and use ship-to-shore communication equipment to guide vessels through fog. By 1972, the U.S. integrated computer technology with traditional radar systems, launching the San Francisco Experimental Ship Traffic System, which became a foundation for advanced VTMS surveillance. In February 1977, Tokyo Bay introduced its own VTMS, featuring radar data processing and traffic monitoring functions, marking the beginning of automated and efficient maritime management.
Since then, the development of VTMS has focused on technological improvements and system optimization. By the mid-1980s, over 150 VTMS systems were in operation worldwide, playing a crucial role in enhancing maritime safety, efficiency, and environmental protection. Today, these systems continue to evolve, incorporating new technologies such as AI, big data, and real-time monitoring to ensure safer and more sustainable global shipping.
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