Vessel Traffic Services Finland Oy (VTS Finland) will start managing the port operations efficiency application implemented by Unikie. The application originally implemented for ports of Rauma (FIN) and Gävle (SWE) will be made available for ports globally, both as dedicated port apps but also as SaaS. Unikie will offer the SaaS version internationally while VTS Finland offers the SaaS for Finnish port.
VTS Finland has deemed application as an excellent process optimization tool for port operations and wants to enable its wide implementation and further development by offering it to Finnish ports and supporting the further Open Source development. At the heart of VTS Finland’s operations is the provision of vessel traffic management and control services for merchant shipping and other water traffic so that it ensures the safe and trouble-free operation of traffic on our sea fairways. As part of this, VTS Finland aims to accelerate the development of automation and digitization in the industry.
“From VTS Finland’s point of view, the port application is part of a larger entity. With the eVäylä development project, we are currently taking on an even clearer role as a provider of maritime traffic data exchange platform, intelligent data services and a strengthened maritime picture. In this entity, the port application works excellently as an end-user application for maritime estimated time of arrival and departure data (ETA/ETD)”, says VTS Finland’s project manager Olli Soininen.
“The port application provides one centralized place for vessel and port operation data for all parties on land and at sea. Joint situational awareness with accurate up-to-date data makes daily operations easier for everyone, bringing efficiency and cost savings.”, says Unikie’s Product Development Director Petri Kalske.
“It is great that this has also been noticed at VTS Finland and they want to enable the application to be used as widely as possible”, Kalske continues.
Unikie will continue application development and port-specific customization
Unikie will continue the development under the VTS Finland guidance. Next, the application is developed in accordance with the SaaS (Software as a Service) architecture, after which different ports operate within the same application. Goal is to have joint Apps first for Finnish and Swedish Ports and then continue to offer this solution globally. SaaS model enables faster and easier
“From the beginning, our port application has been built on open source to make the most of it. Ports can also develop new features for the application together with Unikie, which are central to their own port. The application is already integrated with many key external data sources, and the ports may also implement local integrations and new features”, Kalske says.
With the application, port operations take a large digital leap, while operations can be optimized through real-time data sharing. The data obtained from the application enables the activation of the activities in the port area in a timely manner when the ships enter the port, during their stay in the port and when they leave the port. The application distributes real-time data to port call operators such as terminals, tugs, sea pilots, port authorities, mooring personnel, captains and logistics.
“The Port of Kokkola, third biggest port in Finland, will be the first new port to introduce the port application. The Port of Kokkola has been running an extensive port digitization project for some time, and as part of it, the port application will well support the development of the awareness of the port’s ERP situation”, Soininen says.
Streamlining port operations is also of great importance for the environment, as unnecessary fuel consumption can be minimized. In addition, the risk of maritime accidents is significantly reduced when ships do not have to wait in narrow fairways.
The application is implemented with EU funding in the Efficient Flow in a digitization project. The project has been led by the Swedish Maritime Administration and its partners have been the Port of Rauma, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences SAMK, VTS Finland and the Port of Gävle. Unikie has worked in the project as an application designer and technical implementer.
Further information:
Unikie Oy, Petri Kalske (Solution), petri.kalske@unikie.com, +358 400 638 880
Unikie Inc, Jussi Mäntynen (Sales US/MEA) jussi.mantynen@unikie.com, +1 669 2079 954
Mobile application Port Flow Optimization Tool (POLO)
Unikie
Founded in 2015, Unikie is a technology company focused on demanding device-edge-cloud-based software. The main segments are the automotive industry, smart machines, industry 4.0 and telecommunications. At the forefront is Unikie AI Vision, a comprehensive autonomous driving (AD) solution that scales to the global market. Smart ports are one of the company application environments.
Unikie is Finland’s third fastest growing technology company and operates in Finland, Sweden, Germany, Poland and the United States. Based on the strong demand for Unikie’s expertise and technology solutions, the company’s next objective is to achieve a turnover of more than 100meur. Unikie’s customers include e.g. Sandvik, Nokia and Valmet.
VTS Finland
Vessel Traffic Services Finland Oy (VTS Finland) provides vessel traffic services for merchant shipping and other water traffic and maintains safety radio operations. VTS monitors maritime traffic around the clock, every day of the year. VTS Finland employs approximately 100 maritime professionals and is part of the Traffic Management Finland Group.
At the heart of VTS Finland’s operations is the provision of vessel traffic management and control services for merchant shipping and other water traffic so that it ensures the safe and trouble-free operation. As part of this, VTS Finland aims to accelerate the development of automation and digitization in the industry and is now taking on an even clearer role as a provider of maritime traffic data exchange platform, intelligent data services and a strengthened situational picture with the eVäylä development project.
