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Content archived on 2024-04-19

European Water Traffic Info System

Objective

The EWTIS project was aimed at the design and implementation of a uniform information system regarding ships carrying dangerous cargo.

Main objectives were:

- Safeguarding the maritime environment in general by limiting the pollution effects of calamities.
- Encouraging the use of port reception facilities for waste discharge, thereby contributing to the prevention and reduction of illegal discharge of waste by ships at sea.
Whenever an accident occurs the SAR organisations find themselves with the difficult task of collecting the information they need to start their rescue activities. The information is in most cases available, but it is usually stored in different formats and network protocols with different procedures required to access the data. The main achievement of the EWTIS system consists of making the required information available in real time in a uniform and standardised format.

An overview of existing systems has been completed in the areas of networks and databases within organisations involved in maritime transport. A security framework has also been established in order to identify measures for implementation with in EWTIS.
- The functions to be performed by the EWTIS system were based on a user requirement study and an inventory of existing systems, networks and standards. The development of the EWTIS system was finalised early in 1993. The backbone of the EWTIS system is designed to provide an information system for the exchange of EDI-FACT based messages between Community ports and SAR (Search and Rescue) organisations. It consists of a central database that connects participating local systems via an X.400 store and a forward network on an underlying X.25 carrier service.

- The EWTIS system provides instant access to the required information. Whenever an accident occurs SAR organisations are provided with basic vessel and cargo information, whilst a contact address is given where more details can be obtained.

- For the purpose of pollution monitoring, port authorities can access the EWTIS system to inquire as to the amount of waste that is on board a vessel.

- The pilot tests can be divided into SHORE-BASED TESTS and SHIP-TO-SHORE TESTS. Each port is connected to the network with the equipment that is already at its disposal. The large computerized ports send the EDIFACT messages from, for example, their port management systems. Ports that do not have these facilities are provided with a PC incorporating an EDI-FACT translator. Each SAR organisation is equipped with a similar configuration, which enables them to make queries and to receive the information requested. Special provisions are made available to the participating vessels in order to enable them to provide cargo details and position information through existing satellite communication links.

Topic(s)

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Call for proposal

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Funding Scheme

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Coordinator

INTERCAI MARITIME SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY
EU contribution
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Address
SURINAMESTRAAT 37
2585 GB DEN HAAG
Netherlands

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Total cost
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Participants (19)