APS and Brazilian Navy Sign Historic Agreement to Install VTMIS on Ilha da Moela

On the afternoon of Tuesday, June 3, the Santos Port Authority (APS) and the Brazilian Navy signed a Technical Cooperation Agreement to implement the Vessel Traffic Management Information System (VTMIS) on Ilha da Moela, located in Guarujá.

The agreement authorizes APS to install cutting-edge equipment on Ilha da Moela—an area managed by the Navy—including a maritime radar, weather station, electro-optical cameras, and antennas. This station will be one of four VTMIS sites responsible for monitoring the entire area of the Organized Port.

The other units will be located at the top of the Serra do Mar, on Morro do Tejereba (Guarujá), and on Ilha Barnabé (Santos), ensuring complete coverage of the channel and anchorage areas.

The signing ceremony, held at APS’s Naval Inspection Bridge (PIN), was attended by APS President Anderson Pomini and company directors, along with Vice Admiral Marco Antonio Ismael Trovão (Commander of the 8th Naval District) and Captain of the Ports Marcus André de Souza e Silva.

Data Intelligence and Operational Integration

In an interview, President Anderson Pomini highlighted the transformation the system will bring. “VTMIS not only enhances safety but also ushers in a new era of integration among regulatory agencies. We’ll operate a situation room at APS headquarters, bringing together pilots, the Federal Revenue Service, the Federal Police, the Port Authority, and other stakeholders with real-time data sharing. This translates into operational efficiency and stronger enforcement against illicit activities.”

Vice Admiral Marco Trovão emphasized the system’s impact on the Navy: “This technology will radically expand our maritime situational awareness, enabling a shared global view of the Port of Santos. VTMIS is vital for the safety of marine traffic and defense against threats like drug trafficking.”

Sustainability and Innovation

All VTMIS stations will run on photovoltaic solar power, in line with APS’s commitment to sustainable development. The VTMIS is a technology platform that monitors ship movements in port waters in real-time, combining maritime radar, high-definition electro-optical cameras, weather stations, and communication systems.

At the Port of Santos, VTMIS will act as a data intelligence hub, providing port and naval authorities with integrated information on vessel positions, weather conditions, navigation routes, and potential risks.

Its operation will enable not only optimized marine traffic management but also predictive actions against illicit activities, enhancing both security and operational efficiency throughout the region. “VTMIS embodies our vision of a secure, smart port integrated with national development. Its operation will place us among the most technologically advanced port complexes in the world,” added Anderson Pomini.

Next Steps

The tender for the system’s installation will be launched later in 2025, marking the beginning of construction work that the port community has awaited for over a decade. During the event, the press participated in a naval visit to Ilha da Moela—home to a lighthouse crucial for navigation—reinforcing the site’s symbolic and operational importance.

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