Following the installation of three of its VTS systems in Malaysia, Kelvin Hughes said it is experiencing growing demand throughout South East Asia for its solid-state SharpEye radar technology for vessel traffic and coastal surveillance applications.
The Marine Department of Malaysia selected the Kelvin Hughes SBS-800-2 Upmast X-Band SharpEye system to ensure the safe entry and exit, management and monitoring of passenger ferries and other vessels within the ports of Kuala Perlis, Kuala Kedah & Kuah. Kelvin Hughes supplied the systems through SAAB TransponderTech AB and Greenfinder Sdn Bhd.
The SBS-800 range of radar systems are designed to align with the 'Basic', 'Standard' and 'Advanced' capability types of IALA V-128. With their patented SharpEye technology, they transmit a low power pulse sequence which enables short, medium and long range radar returns to be detected simultaneously.
Doppler processing of the radar returns provides coherent information concerning target velocity and enables the detection of very small and slow moving objects with a low Radar Cross Section (RCS). Through a series of electronic filters, the system is able to distinguish between targets of interest and sea, rain and land clutter.
In addition, with no magnetron required for the system, maintenance costs are significantly reduced.
Hamzah Akhbar, Regional Sales Manager for Kelvin Hughes, commented: “The success of our VTS radar in these three important Malaysian ports has clearly demonstrated the superior detection and tracking performance of SharpEye technology, particularly in adverse weather conditions where safety can’t be compromised. In response to the demand, we’re looking forward to the opportunity to enhance maritime safety and port security at other sites throughout the region.”
