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APEM Group - Case Study
APEM Group, through its specialist consultancy, NASH Maritime, supported Peel Ports Group in evaluating future options for vessel traffic management at Clydeport. As one of the UK’s leading port operators, Peel Ports required an evidence-based assessment of how navigation safety, operational efficiency and technology investment could be enhanced to support future growth and resilience. By combining maritime risk expertise, traffic analysis, stakeholder engagement and technology advisory services, the project demonstrates how APEM helps ports make informed, risk-based decisions that support safe and efficient operations.
Project Summary
Ports and harbours face increasing pressure to accommodate larger vessels, manage growing traffic volumes and maintain high standards of navigational safety, all while making effective use of operational budgets.
Peel Ports Group commissioned NASH to undertake a comprehensive review of Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) provision for Clydeport. The objective was to assess a range of future options that could improve situational awareness, reduce navigational risk and inform long-term investment planning.
Drawing on specialist expertise in navigation risk, vessel traffic services, maritime technology and stakeholder engagement, the team developed a robust evidence base to support decision-making and future operational planning.
Project Context
Effective vessel traffic management is critical to the safe and efficient operation of modern ports. As operational demands evolve, port authorities and harbour operators must regularly assess whether existing systems, procedures and technologies remain fit for purpose.
For Clydeport, Peel Ports Group wanted to understand how different levels of investment could enhance vessel traffic management capability and reduce risk to shipping. The study needed to balance operational requirements, safety improvements and budget considerations while providing a clear roadmap for future development.
Project Challenges
Delivering a future-focused vessel traffic management strategy required careful consideration of several factors:
- Operational performance and safety, ensuring future enhancements would support efficient vessel movements while reducing navigational risk.
- Evaluating multiple investment scenarios, each offering different levels of capability improvement and budget requirement.
- Assessing existing technology infrastructure, including surveillance and communications systems across a large and complex operational area.
- Providing practical recommendations, capable of supporting long-term planning and implementation.
All photos courtesy of Peel Ports Group
Solution
NASH brought together specialists in vessel traffic services, maritime risk, navigational safety and technology systems to deliver a comprehensive review.
Operational and Stakeholder Assessment
- Data gathering and consultation with key stakeholders.
- Baseline analysis of vessel traffic and operational requirements.
- Evaluation of existing Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) arrangements and future operational needs.
Risk and Technology Analysis
- Application of IALA Waterway Risk Assessment Program (IWRAP) modelling and navigational risk assessment techniques.
- Analysis of radar, AIS, VHF radio and CCTV/EOS coverage and capability.
- Review of vessel traffic management systems, sensors and equipment.
Future Planning and Investment Support
- Development and assessment of three future-state options for Clydeport VTMS provision.
- Identification of key implementation risks and opportunities.
- Identification of potential suppliers capable of delivering the preferred solution.
This project demonstrates how APEM helps ports and harbour authorities make confident, evidence-based decisions by combining maritime operational expertise, risk assessment, technology insight and stakeholder engagement.
Outcomes and Impact
The project provided Peel Ports Group with a robust, evidence-based framework to support future vessel traffic management planning at Clydeport. Through a combination of stakeholder engagement, traffic analysis, navigational risk assessment and technology review, the study helped identify opportunities to enhance navigational safety, improve situational awareness and evaluate future investment options. The recommendations delivered a clear roadmap for future capability development, enabling informed decision-making and supporting the long-term safe and efficient management of vessel traffic.
All photos courtesy of Peel Ports Group
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NASH Maritime delivered a high-quality service and provided expert advice and recommendations which PPG have taken into account as part of our future planning for Clydeport VTMS.
Mark Hesketh – Assistant Group Harbour Master Peel Ports Group
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Supporting Future-Ready Ports and Harbours
APEM supports ports and harbour authorities as they navigate increasingly complex operational, safety and investment challenges.
By integrating maritime operational expertise, navigation risk assessment, stakeholder engagement and technology advisory services, we help clients:
- Improve navigational safety and operational resilience.
- Make informed, evidence-based investment decisions.
- Enhance vessel traffic management capability.
- Support sustainable long-term port development.
- Plan confidently for future operational requirements.
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