As one of the UK’s busiest and most strategically vital waterways, the Port of London relies on resilient, uninterrupted coverage to manage vessel traffic safely and efficiently. With new riverside developments frequently proposed, the Port of London Authority (PLA) commissioned ATDI to conduct an AIS (Automatic Identification System) coverage and performance assessment, evaluating the expected impact of future construction projects on this critical maritime infrastructure.
The aim of the study was twofold: to assess how external developments could affect AIS coverage used by the PLA’s traffic services, and to evaluate practical mitigation strategies to ensure service continuity. Using ATDI’s advanced RF planning software, HTZ Communications modelled potential signal obstructions caused by new developments and proposed actionable measures to maintain AIS coverage integrity, such as optimised site placement, antenna height adjustments, or network densification.
A key objective was to compare the modelled results with known performance baselines, verifying the accuracy and resilience of AIS coverage under real-world conditions. By overlaying simulation data on a digital terrain model, the assessment provided a detailed, visual breakdown of AIS coverage across high-density and high-risk zones—offering operational clarity and planning confidence.
The outcome is a comprehensive, evidence-based report that offers technical assurance to the PLA while supporting transparent dialogue with planning authorities and developers. As the port continues to grow, this proactive analysis ensures that AIS performance evolves in parallel, without compromising navigational safety or operational efficiency.
The Port of London Authority uses HTZ Communications to manage its port-wide communications network. This AIS coverage study was conducted using HTZ, and the complete project file was submitted to the Authority upon completion. This ensures they can review, update, or replicate the analysis independently using their licensed software environment.
