The survey received 299 responses from representatives of professional shipping, pilots and merchant vessels. Particularly good results were achieved regarding the functionality of fairway markings, as well as the safety and reliability of services.
Fairway markings and Navigation efficiency earn high praise
The results of the study highlight key factors in the functioning of fairways
• The fairway edge markings, line markings and fixed radar markings received high average scores (4.1–4.2). Overall, the functionality of fairway markings was rated as good (4.0).
• The navigability of fairways was considered a particular strength, recieving a score of 4.2 on a scale of 1 to 5. This indicates that the functionality meets the needs of shipping effectively.
• Newer technologies, such as virtual markings and the remote control of safety devices, also received good assessments (3.9), but development ideas were presented, for example, with regard to lighting synchronisation and light intensity adjustment. At the same time, the importance of traditional fairway markings for safe navigation, especially during GNSS disruptions was emphasized.
• Needs for enhancements were also highlighted for certain individual fairways
“The results indicate that Finnish fairway infrastructure services are at a high level. The functionality of fairways and the usability of digital services support efficient and safe navigation”, says Olli Holm, Senior Advisor on fairway Management at the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency.
Vessel Traffic Services: High level of trust, with Key development targets identified
The results for Vessel Traffic Services indicate that its core functions, such as information provision, intervention in traffic and unsafe situations and traffic organisation, are at an excellent level (scores 4.3-4,4). Fairway users feel that the vigilance of VTS centres has significantly improved, which strengthens trust in the service. The arrangements for port departure permissions were particularly highlighted as a notable success.
At the same time, it was noted that greater attention should be given to the organisation of traffic at the pilot boarding positions, ensuring safety in the future. These areas are critical for maintaining traffic flow and ensuring safety.
“The timeliness of information provision and the organisation of traffic arrangements are fundamental pillars of the service. However customer feedback indicates that consistency in quality still needs improvement. Pilot boarding positions are critical areas where traffic safety must continue to be ensured in the future”, says Toni Sobott, Services Manager at the FTIA.
Cooperation and continuous development play a key role
The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, Fintraffic and Traficom will continue to work in close collaboration in the development of services together with fairway users. Co-created operating models have already improved customer orientation, and further development will focus on areas such as communications, the functionality of fairway markings and digital solutions.
“Collaboration between various actors has increased significantly in recent years, as reflected in the study's results. These successes are shared achievements and we will continue to invest in this collaboration”, Holm and Sobott conclude.
Development targets and measures identified on the basis of the results
• Further development of the functionality of the fairway markings
• Improvement of important individual fairways
• Enhancements to traffic organisation and safety at pilot boarding positions.
• Promoting consistency in information provision to reduce regional disparities.
• Development of digital services, such as AIS-based solutions and more user-friendly information sharing channels, ensuring cyber security and management of disruptions
Further information on the study:
Olli Holm, Senior Advisor (fairways) tel. 029 534 3338
Toni Sobott, Service Manager (Vessel Traffic Services procurements) tel. +358 29 534 3696