Arup to support the Marine Department in future-proofing Hong Kong’s Vessel Traffic Services system

This new commission reflects the government’s commitment to upgrading the existing system to meet the evolving demands of a dynamic marine environment. The study will assess strategies for system replacement or enhancement, incorporating state-of-the-art artificial intelligence, advanced digital tools, and alignment with the latest International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) standards — delivering a future-ready VTS for Hong Kong waters

The VTS system plays a vital role in providing timely information, monitoring and managing vessel movements across Hong Kong’s busy marine corridors to ensure safe navigation and swift response to maritime incidents. As marine traffic in the port will experience significant change towards year 2045, the study will explore ways to enhance navigational safety, optimise operational workflows, address manpower challenges, improve the occupational safety for Vessel Traffic Centre (VTC) personnel and respond to the impacts of new marine infrastructures. Through forward-looking solutions, the project aims to safeguard Hong Kong’s competitiveness as a world-class port city with improved capabilities in traffic management, incident handling and environmental stewardship.

Arup’s scope covers strategic, operational and technical reviews of the existing VTS system and the VTC. Our services include marine traffic risk assessment, VTS operations consulting, resilience and risks evaluation, digital applications, resources planning/optimization, etc. By combining technical excellence with strategic foresight, the study will deliver a robust blueprint for the future of Hong Kong’s marine traffic management. This success builds on our previous collaboration with the Marine Department on the 2013 VTS study, showcasing our continued commitment and dedication to supporting sustainable, efficient, and safe marine operations.

Terence Leung, APAC Maritime Leader at Arup, said, “Arup is proud to continue our partnership with the Marine Department in shaping the next generation of Hong Kong’s Vessel Traffic Services. This important commission reflects our shared commitment to maritime safety, innovation and sustainability. Together with our collaborator DiNav, we are helping Hong Kong strengthen its position as a world-leading port and ensure reliable, intelligent and environmentally responsible operations for decades to come.”