How and why to track vessels? Meet the ArTeMIS Monitoring System

Tracking vessels is part of the reality of companies that operate in foreign trade. It is worth noting that this activity is made possible by the nearly five thousand satellites in Earth’s orbit, which track the path of goods until they reach their destinations. Everything indicates that, in a short time, this tracking will be entirely in real-time.

Currently, we have new technologies for locating vessels, such as the ArTeMIS monitoring system created — by the startup Argonáutica. With its use, Wilson Sons increased the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of its fleet navigation in Brazilian ports.

In the following lines, understand the significant importance of tracking and how it is feasible to achieve it through the adoption of new solutions. Additionally, explore the main tools that enable vessel tracking and learn how to implement it by following some key steps. Take this opportunity to delve deeper into the partnership between Wilson Sons and Argonáutica. Have a good reading!

Why is it important to track vessels?

Advancements in technology have significantly improved vessel tracking and monitoring methods. In the very recent past, it was a practically unfeasible procedure. In other words, ships were launched into the sea, and controllers and managers had few — if any — mechanisms for control and monitoring.

In this sense, the cargo plan and the entire goods reception planning were significantly impaired. However, in recent years, new satellites and robust technologies have been developed that can track ships worldwide.

Thus, it is increasingly possible to contribute to the safety of vessels, preventing potential threats, thanks to the ability to obtain and process rich information in real-time. With this capability, it is also feasible to gain greater predictability in maritime chartering and strategically plan it, maximizing profit in buying and selling.

In addition, it is worth mentioning that the efficient traceability of loads and processes generates less waste during movements. Then, customers ensure that most of their products will arrive at the destination, but with lower costs involved.

How do vessel monitoring technologies work?

The AIS (Automatic Identification System) and VMS (Vessel Monitoring System) technologies have enabled the creation of a range of applications and online systems used to track ships in  international trade. In fact, these vessel trackers not only provide the location of ships but also technical and non-technical details, photos, and other specifics of designated routes.

The operation of these tools is very simple. In practice, the cargo manager enters the name of the ship in which their container is located to obtain its location on the map or the layout of the platform.

What is the latest technology for the ship monitoring system?

The main and most recent monitoring system is ArTeMIS (Argonáutica’s Traffic Management Information System), developed by Argonáutica, focused on safety, efficiency, and sustainability of operations. ArTeMIS is a digital product of high relevance, which has a great potential for penetration in the national port market.

The solution is already connected to more than 25 AIS antennas distributed along the coast, acting as an integrated tool for maritime traffic and meteorological data. By the way, it is within this technological context that our Tug Operations Center (COR) monitors all maneuvers performed in the various ports where we operate in Brazil. The fact is that this new system can monitor, in real time, the fleet of 81 tugboats of the company distributed along the Brazilian coast, with the capability to integrate data with various other systems and high flexibility in access profiles to information.

In other words, this is a new software that integrates our digital strategy of investing in the development of digital solutions in partnership with startups in the maritime and port sectors. Therefore, we are able to promote the use of new resources in the industry, increasing the efficiency and productivity of the country’s infrastructure.

Wilson Sons’ partnership with Argonáutica

Argonáutica is a Brazilian startup that managed to stand out for the development of ReDRAFT. This is a system that dynamically calculates the under keel clearance, considering the characteristics of each vessel, the access channel, and the environmental conditions at the time of the maneuver.

The company also developed the efficient MeDuSa system, which optimizes operations and mooring, providing predictability and safety in ship mooring—, especially in ship-to-ship operations. The ArTeMIS is another digital product from this startup, designed to modernize and improve efficiency in traffic management, with a primary focus on sustainability and safety, as mentioned.

In this regard, considering technology and startups as important allies to boost productivity and develop maritime and port infrastructure, Wilson Sons acquired a minority stake in Argonáutica in late 2022.

Meet the ArTeMIS Monitoring System

As mentioned, ArTeMIS was designed to enhance the navigational safety of the fleet, enabling fuel savings and risk mitigation of accidents. In essence, the solution defines, monitors, and alerts regarding the most suitable areas for maritime traffic.

With the new technology, the tug master can have access to alarms for emergency situations. In addition, integration with external data sources allows monitoring of weather conditions, such as tide, currents and wind, making it possible to analyze and evaluate how these variables affect navigation, productivity levels and safety in tugboat operations.

As we have shown throughout this article, tracking vessels is a reality in the daily lives of companies operating in the foreign trade segment. Thanks to technological resources, such as those ArTeMIS currently offers, it is already possible to operate with a focus on efficiency, safety and sustainability.

Was the reading productive? So, how about continuing to delve deeper into the subject? For that, check out the article we’ve prepared for you to better understand how to reduce waiting times at ports.