The Antwerp docks are divided into four sectors, each with its own VHF or navigation channel: Donk, Polder, Waasland, and Weel. At present, three of these sectors are operational; the Waasland sector remains inactive.
Today, the shipping guidance service of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, better known as VTS (Vessel Traffic Services), celebrates its fifth anniversary. VTS ensures the safe and efficient management of shipping traffic in the Antwerp port area beyond the locks, for both seagoing and inland vessels. Its aim? To prevent accidents on the water and ensure smooth shipping traffic.
Guiding ships safely
VTS operators guide vessels according to the 3W model: what, where, where to. Communication via VHF (Very High Frequency) plays an important role in this.
Operators employ a range of tools to manage and monitor traffic. They use a digital map of the port, radar and camera images from strategic locations, and the marine radio to communicate directly with vessels.
Its work has a significant impact. Over a five-year period, VTS managed no fewer than 1,500,000 vessel movements in the Antwerp port area and more than 60,000 individual vessels.
The figures for 2025 are also impressive: 284,164 escorted voyages, including 31,363 seagoing vessels and 252,782 inland navigation craft. This amounts to 9,861 unique vessels (4,244 seagoing vessels and 5,611 inland navigation craft).
In addition, VTS is also responsible for guiding recreational vessels: 4,827 movements, representing 2,988 unique vessels.
The team is ready day and night
The team consists of a VTS manager, a VTS Performance Advisor, seven VTS traffic controllers, and 26 VTS operators, including ten VTSOII (trainers). Through effective teamwork and planning, the VTS centre operates with staff around the clock.
All operators are trained according to the standards of the International Organisation for Marine Aids to Navigation.
Extra challenges arising from the Oosterweel works
The Oosterweel works have a major impact on shipping, and as a result, on VTS operations. These works generate extra interference and complex vessel traffic situations. As a result, the team emphasises risk management and adopts preventive measures to secure safe navigation.
Since May 2024, VTS staff, working alongside the passage planners, have been escorting inland navigation craft through the Oosterweel work zone. The passage planner is a specialised system that guides ships safely through a narrowing.
Vessels must first book a time slot to transit the work zone. The passage planner continuously monitors traffic and coordinates movements between seagoing vessels and inland navigation convoys.
