Vessel Traffic Services System To Launch On July 20

Uraloğlu said the system, developed as part of the Eastern Mediterranean Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Project carried out by the Turkish General Directorate of Maritime Affairs, would enable uninterrupted monitoring of maritime traffic around the TRNC.

“Through this project, we will safeguard our interests in the Blue Homeland and continuously monitor vessel traffic in the maritime area between Turkey and the waters surrounding the TRNC,” he said.

In a written statement, Uraloğlu noted that final preparations for the launch had been completed, including construction works, hardware installations and software integration.

Domestic technology

He said the project would further strengthen Turkey’s presence in the Eastern Mediterranean.

“On July 20, we will begin actively monitoring vessel traffic within the TRNC’s maritime jurisdiction. Using entirely domestically developed software and critical hardware, we will also reinforce our technological independence in this field,” he said.

The project is being implemented by the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs, with HAVELSAN serving as the main contractor.

A Vessel Traffic Services Centre has been established in Famagusta, while Traffic Surveillance Stations have been installed in Karpaz, Sadrazamköy and Çayırova. Automatic Identification System (AIS) data from Selvitepe, along with AIS and radar data from Kantara, have also been integrated into the network.

A remote backup and control console has additionally been installed at the Mersin Vessel Traffic Services Centre.

Round-the-clock monitoring

Uraloğlu said the surveillance stations would serve as the backbone of the system.

“Using radars, cameras, communication equipment, AIS systems and other sensors, we will provide uninterrupted 24-hour monitoring. Any vessel within the coverage area will be detected instantly, with data transmitted simultaneously to both the TRNC centre and the Mersin Vessel Traffic Services Centre,” he said.

He added that the system’s primary radar units are ASELSAN’s domestically produced SERDAR 7M radars.

According to Uraloğlu, the new system will provide vessel identification, continuous traffic monitoring and regulation, navigational information and general warnings, monitoring of designated maritime areas, support in detecting illegal activities, hazard alerts, coordination during accidents and fires, and the sharing of meteorological information.