From small craft to cargo vessels: Traffic control center manages shipping on the Kiel Canal
When a ship on the Kiel Canal sets course for the next passing point, it is no coincidence – it is the result of precise control. In the new traffic control center of the Waterways and Shipping Authority (WSA) Kiel Canal in Brunsbüttel, all threads come together. Traffic on the world’s busiest artificial seaway is not just monitored in the federal authority. It is actively managed. With the support of JST – Jungmann Systemtechnik®, a highly modern working environment has been created in which technology, ergonomics and security interact seamlessly.
Active traffic management instead of passive monitoring
Around 27,000 ships pass through the Kiel Canal (NOK) every year, along with thousands of recreational vessels. Ensuring that this traffic flows smoothly and safely requires more than monitoring alone: “We don’t just observe the ships – we actively guide them through the canal,” explains Marc Langanki, Head of the Communications Engineering Department at the WSA.
In the traffic control center, nautical specialists work in a 24/7 shift operation. Using a globally unique, fully automated traffic management system, they coordinate vessel movements, intervene when necessary and make safety-critical decisions – for example in the event of changing weather conditions, technical faults or incidents. If this center were to fail, everything would come to a standstill. “Then not a single ship would be able to pass through the canal,” says project manager Langanki.
Complex systems, one shared operational picture
The challenge: a wide variety of systems must be available at all times. This includes radar, radio and AIS data (Automatic Identification System), as well as lock control systems, camera feeds and even standard office applications. With the JST MultiStreaming® solution, all this information is now consolidated into a central, flexible operational picture. Different network segments can be securely combined without mixing data streams – a crucial factor for the critical infrastructure environment of the NOK traffic control center.
From a technical labyrinth to a clearly structured working environment
“We can now bring together a wide range of systems from different areas – without any issues and with maximum data security,” says Marc Langanki, recalling a past where technical infrastructures were distributed across multiple locations, resulting in long distances and fragmented responsibilities. With the KVM solution JST MultiStreaming®, the systems have been reorganized, logically consolidated and can now be conveniently controlled via the myGUI® operating platform. At the same time, critical and non-critical areas have been cleanly separated.
Intuitive operation ensures immediate acceptance
“Operationally, everything has become much simpler,” explains the shipping expert. This ease of use was immediately appreciated by the team in the traffic control center. Using the myGUI® interface and integrated JST CommandPads®, operators can flexibly assign any application to any screen – tailored to their specific tasks. “After just ten minutes, it felt as if no one had ever worked any other way,” notes the project manager when looking back on the start-up phase.
Ergonomics also play a key role in user acceptance: height-adjustable Stratos workstations, large-scale visualization via video walls and acoustic ceiling panels create ideal conditions for focused work. The difference compared to the old control room is clearly noticeable for the nautical crew. “It’s like a leap from the Stone Age into the modern era,” says Marc Langanki.
Critical infrastructure: IT security consistently implemented
The benefits of the JST control room solution are clear: instead of rigid monitor setups, operators now have flexible workstation configurations. A redundant system architecture minimizes the risk of failure. Additional resources are available without physical detours. All relevant data is centrally visualized on large display walls.
There is, however, another key advantage: as the Jungmann system does not process data but only transmits signals, the KVM solution can be seamlessly integrated into existing security concepts. Features such as role-based access control and two-factor authentication provide maximum control.
Close collaboration and practical solutions
Practical solutions, short coordination paths and high availability – these are the aspects that project manager Langanki highlights when reflecting on the project execution. His conclusion: “Straightforward, direct and dependable – exactly my kind of approach!”
Our references today (selection)
A
B
C
E
H
I
M
N
P
R
S
- s.Oliver, Rottendorf
- SachsenEnergie, Dresden
- SAG, Berlin
- SAG, Nürnberg / Nürnberg Messe
- Salzgitter Flachstahl
- Senvion SE, Osterrönfeld
- SGL Carbon Group, Bonn
- SIEMENS
- SIEMENS, Wegberg
- Spenner, Erwitte
- Städtische Werke Magdeburg
- Stadtwerke Gießen
- Stadtwerke Ratingen
- Stadtwerke Schwerin, Kraftwerk Süd
- Stadtwerke Steinburg GmbH, Itzehoe
- Stadtwerke Wolfenbüttel
- Starlim Sterner, Marchtrenk
- STORAG ETZEL, Friedeburg
- Straßenverkehrsamt Frankfurt am Main
V
W
Unsere Referenzen (Archive)
