Enhancing Navigational Safety in Papua New Guinea
Introduction
Papua New Guinea (PNG), a nation of over 600 islands spanning more than 3.1 million square kilometers of sea, heavily relies on its network of coastal shipping services. With 65% of its population residing in coastal areas, the safety and integrity of these waters are paramount. The Jomard Entrance, designated by the International Maritime Organization as a “Particularly Sensitive Sea Area” (PSSA), is a beacon of PNG’s commitment to protecting its maritime environment, now under consideration for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
The Challenge
PNG’s maritime landscape, while breathtaking, presented significant navigational and environmental challenges. The Jomard Entrance, a vital yet vulnerable marine artery, required an innovative solution to safeguard its uninhabited coral atolls, islands, and extensive coral reef systems from the risks of increased maritime traffic.
Other significant challenges:
- Remote sites
- No power supplies
- Hot / humid operating conditions
The Solution
In response to this challenge, our team in partnership with M-NAV Solutions, embarked on a mission to enhance maritime safety in PNG. We designed, assembled, and installed 17 remote Automatic Identification System (AIS) sensor sites across key locations. These units, engineered for autonomy, operate on solar power complemented by power banks, ensuring uninterrupted functionality. Data from these sites is relayed through the national telecom network and satellite modems, feeding into the central control center in Port Moresby.
We also, installed a central Coastal monitoring system to enhance marine surveillance and safety. The system includes AIS, CCTV, Meteorological sensors and VHF communication.
Results
The implementation of this system has revolutionized maritime surveillance in Papua New Guinea. The National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) now boasts a system offering extensive surveillance and monitoring capabilities over a large portion of PNG’s coastal waters. This system enables the NMSA to: