Norwegian tech to enhance safety of over 300 assets offshore Qatar

Norway-based software developer Vissim has been hired as a subcontractor to deliver a vessel monitoring solution to Qatar-based Bin Omran Trading & Telecommunications, which oversees local project management and offshore installation. The technology is set to improve the operational safety and efficiency of the Middle Eastern country’s offshore assets.

The centralized vessel monitoring and alerting system (CVMAS) developed by Vissim is slated to cover Qatar’s coastline and contribute to increased protection of more than 300 offshore assets. The plan is for the system to become operational in the first half of 2025. 

According to the Norwegian firm, its system is designed to improve offshore assets’ safety and security, optimize vessel logistics, and contribute to slashing CO2 emissions and increasing maritime situational awareness.

“Our software systems deliver a fully digitized and user-friendly overview of vessel traffic across Qatar’s waters, including its coastline and offshore assets, ensuring enhanced maritime safety for all vessels and infrastructure in the region,” said Benedicte Stiberg, Vissim’s regional director for the Middle East.

As explained, the core of Vissim’s technology is a software platform that provides situational awareness of the geographical area and increases the understanding of maritime safety, security, and efficiency.

Vissim’s CVMAS in Qatar integrates several data sources, including the automatic vessel identification system (AIS) and weather data, to provide a detailed maritime overview. The system can be integrated with maritime tools and platforms, including personnel and logistics management systems and geographic mapping tools.

Furthermore, monitoring helicopter traffic and personnel onboard offshore assets is also possible, which is said to further enhance operational safety and efficiency.

“Equipped with 24/7 surveillance, the system continuously monitors maritime activities, using an alarm mechanism to prioritize critical events. This not only enhances asset protection and maritime operations but also improves ocean space awareness by delivering a clear and actionable understanding of activities across Qatar’s waters,” added Stiberg.

The processed data is presented in a comprehensive format at QatarEnergy’s Joint Operations Centre in Doha, a collaborative initiative between the oil and gas operators in Qatar that provides real-time situational awareness and improves maritime coordination in the country’s waters.

Last April, Vissim was selected to deliver radar technology, vessel traffic management system software, and an oil spill detection system for Pertamina’s PAPA ONWJ oil platform off the coast of Indonesia.