Port of Marseille Fos Awards Kelvin Hughes Second Phase VTS Radar System Contract

Kelvin Hughes, a world leader in the design and supply of navigation and surveillance systems has been awarded the contract for the second phase of a radar system installation by the Port of Marseille Fos in Southern France. The Enfield-based company supplied five SBS-700 radar systems earlier this year that were integrated with the port’s Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS). The second phase has seen two more, identical models installed and commissioned at the port in July.

Paul Mariner, Regional Sales Manager at Kelvin Hughes says: “We are delighted to have supplied the Port of Marseille Fos with two additional radar systems this summer. The fact that they have trusted us once more with their expanding radar requirements speaks volumes about the strong working relationship our two organisations enjoy. We are very proud of our SBS VT systems, which provide protection and surveillance capabilities to ports, coastlines and off-shore facilities around the world.”

Kelvin Hughes’ SBS-700 radar system is specifically designed to meet the requirements of a Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) system as defined in IALA recommendation V-128. Each X-band system supplied will feature a combination of the SBS 700-1, single transceiver, and the SBS 700-2, dual redundant transceiver. Incorporating an enhanced magnetron transmitter. The SBS-700 features a high dynamic range, a low-noise front end and a FET modulator.

Kelvin Hughes has established itself not just as a technology innovator but also a reliable partner to the world’s navies, coastguards and merchant shipping companies. Founded more than 250 years ago, the company also provides effective, specialist navigation and surveillance systems to security agencies responsible for safeguarding borders, coastlines and critical national infrastructure.

The Port of Marseille is one of the largest and busiest ports along the Mediterranean coastline. It comprises two separate harbours with the Eastern harbour located in the city of Marseille and measuring 1,000 hectares. The Western harbour is twelve times larger and is situated in Fos, 70 km from the town. Marseille Fos is France’s leading port and handles everything from hydrocarbons and bulk liquids (oil, gas and chemical products) to bulk solids (minerals and cereals), general cargo (containers and other packaging). It is also a major cruise ship terminal.