HAVELSAN Launches AI-Powered Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) in TRNC

The Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) System developed by HAVELSAN under the Eastern Mediterranean Vessel Traffic Services Project has officially entered operational service in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Incorporating AI-supported analytics, the system enhances the safety, efficiency and continuity of maritime traffic management.

Developed by HAVELSAN, the Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) solution integrates radar systems, electronic sensors, communication infrastructure and operational software into a single platform, enabling real-time monitoring, analysis and management of maritime traffic.

Leveraging AI-supported analytics, the system enhances operators’ situational awareness, supports the assessment of vessel movements and contributes to faster, more informed operational decision making. It also supports operators in detecting and assessing potential smuggling and other unlawful maritime activities in real time.

Designed for a wide range of applications from port operations and coastal surveillance to traffic coordination and maritime safety, the solution supports different operational requirements while ensuring interoperability with existing national maritime systems.

One of the latest examples of this capability is the AI-powered Vessel Traffic Services System developed under the Eastern Mediterranean Vessel Traffic Services Project, which has recently entered operational service in the TRNC. The system combines data from radar stations, electronic sensors, communication infrastructure and field-based towers into a unified operational picture, enabling real-time monitoring and effective management of maritime traffic.

The system was officially commissioned at a ceremony held in Famagusta.

Developed with a higher degree of indigenous technology, the system enhances situational awareness through advanced analytics and decision-support capabilities while contributing to safer navigation, improved port coordination and more efficient maritime traffic management. It is designed to operate seamlessly with Türkiye’s existing national maritime systems.

Commenting on the project, HAVELSAN CEO Dr. Mehmet Akif Nacar said:

The commissioning ceremony was attended by Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Minister of Public Works and Transport of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Erhan Arıklı, Director General of Maritime Affairs Ünal Baylan, HAVELSAN CEO Dr. Mehmet Akif Nacar, and Murat Salel, General Manager of the Turkish Cypriot Coastal Safety and Salvage Company.

“The Eastern Mediterranean Vessel Traffic Services System is an important outcome of the shared vision of Türkiye and the TRNC. The system integrates radar systems, electronic sensors, communication infrastructure and field-based towers with HAVELSAN’s indigenous software. Through its AI-supported analytics, it enhances situational awareness and supports operators in detecting and assessing vessel movements, as well as potential smuggling and other unlawful maritime activities, in real time.”

Nacar noted that the system enhances situational awareness across the maritime areas of responsibility served by the project in the Eastern Mediterranean, allowing developments in the region to be monitored more effectively through national systems.

“The TRNC will benefit from this system to the greatest possible extent in terms of vessel traffic safety, combating smuggling and preventing illegal activities,” Nacar said.

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In 2023, HAVELSAN replaced the foreign-origin software used in the Turkish Straits Vessel Traffic Services infrastructure with an indigenous solution. The system commissioned in the TRNC builds on this experience with a higher degree of indigenous technology and is designed to operate seamlessly with Türkiye’s existing national maritime systems.

HAVELSAN has also implemented coastal safety, radar and surveillance projects in Türkiye and partner countries, including projects across the Black Sea region, Southeast Asia and Africa. The company continues to strengthen its capabilities through new projects in big data, artificial intelligence and cloud computing.

The Eastern Mediterranean Vessel Traffic Services Project represents one of the latest reference projects demonstrating the company’s expertise in delivering AI-powered digital maritime solutions.

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