- Late awareness of fast-moving vessels
- Poor visibility in fog, heavy rain and at night
- Manual watchkeeping fatigue and inconsistent response
Bridge Collision Prevention
Proactive vessel approach monitoring and alarms to prevent bridge strikes and ensure navigational safety.
Industry Challenges
Safety Context
Bridge strikes cause severe structural damage and traffic disruption. Early detection and trajectory estimation are key to preventing incidents and mitigating risk.
Prevention Workflow
- Radar monitors approach lanes and exclusion zones around piers.
- If CPA/TCPA risk rises, the system escalates alarms (visual/audible).
- PTZ cameras auto-cue; warnings broadcast via VHF or sirens.
- Incident is logged with tracks and video for review and compliance.
Integration & Compliance
- Interfaces with traffic control centers and maritime authorities
- Supports audit trails and reporting for safety management systems
Advantages
Vessel Detection
Track craft of varying sizes approaching pylons and spans.
Trajectory Prediction
Predict CPA/TCPA to trigger time-appropriate alerts.
Geofenced Zones
Custom warning and danger zones with escalating actions.
Camera Auto-cue
Instant visual confirmation for operators and incident records.
Low O&M
Robust hardware, remote health checks and self-recovery.
All-weather
Reliable through rain, fog and night conditions.
Workflow
- Sensor PlacementPosition radars to cover approach lanes and protection zones.
- Vessel DetectionDetect craft of varying sizes and measure speed/heading.
- Risk Prediction (CPA/TCPA)Compute approach risk and escalate alerts by time‑to‑collision.
- Warning & GuidanceTrigger lights/sirens; broadcast guidance via VHF or signage.
- Incident LoggingStore tracks and video for investigation and safety audits.
Key Use Cases
- Pylon approach monitoring with escalating alerts
- Fog/low‑visibility automated warnings to vessels
- CPA/TCPA‑based risk notification to VTS and bridge control
- Post‑event reconstruction and safety reporting
Further Reading
