NR-M-98-43E

MINISTER ANDERSON ANNOUNCES IMPROVEMENTS TO COAST GUARD VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICES

December 16, 1998

HALIFAX -- David Anderson, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced that the Coast Guard will proceed with an estimated $4.0 million worth of improvements to vessel traffic services (VTS) for Halifax harbour to prepare the port of Halifax for the next century and the arrival of the Post-Panamax generation of container ships.

The project will include replacement of microwave, radar and operator display systems used in coordinating traffic movement in the harbour and its approaches. The modernization will be complete by the summer of 2001. In view of the special nature of the project, the costs associated with these improvements will not result in any increase over the next three years to the marine services fees currently charged to commercial shipping.

The port of Halifax is in an excellent position for growth , as we approach the new millennium and see more and larger ships calling on the port, said Senator Al Graham, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister responsible for Nova Scotia. These improvements demonstrate the government´s commitment to assisting that growth by ensuring the continued safe and efficient movement of shipping within the harbour and its approaches, said Minister Anderson.

Vessel traffic services in Halifax Harbour and approaches are provided on a 24 hour basis from the Halifax Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) Centre at Shannon Hill in Dartmouth, overlooking the Bedford Basin. There is also VTS radar equipment located on Georges Island in Halifax Harbour.

The Halifax MCTS Centre (also known as Halifax Traffic or Halifax Radio) ensures the safe and efficient use of the harbour by ensuring that all vessels operating within the port of Halifax and the harbour approaches are aware of vessel traffic, important movements and dangers to navigation. The Halifax MCTS Centre provides a means of exchanging information between vessels and a shore based centre and is equipped with radiotelephone communication equipment and radar surveillance systems.

The improvements announced today offer a potential for further cooperation between Coast Guard, the Halifax Port Corporation and the Atlantic Pilotage Authority regarding the availability of desktop port management information. A joint project committee will be established to ensure that the new system provides relevant information to external agencies to assist their port management activities.

For information:

Larry Wilson
A/Regional Director, Coast Guard
Fisheries and Oceans
Maritimes Region
Dartmouth, N.S.
(902) 426-3907

Scott Verret
Communications Manager, Coast Guard
Fisheries and Oceans
Maritimes Region
Dartmouth, N.S.
(902) 426-6414