Developed exclusively for Pittsburgh’s three rivers, this neutral network, Wireless Waterway (WW), links proprietary, stove-piped and stand-alone systems into a “system of systems” improving waterway safety and efficiency with the thousands of vessels navigating them daily, according to officials. The WW is a physical device and application network for river commerce integrating real-time navigation information, cargo-tracking and waterway sensor operation.
The technology has been installed on CONSOL Energy’s M/V Safety Pledge, vessels owned by Campbell Transportation, and the Gateway Clipper. The M/V Safety Pledge is also testing the broadband network for Quality of Life initiatives for the U.S. Department of Transportation and will test for river bed sounding technology, a 3-D camera/software technology and GPS tracking technology. The ship was launched in Q2 2013.
Al Aloia, director of CONSOL Energy river operations, noted the project reflected myriad benefits. “CONSOL Energy’s commitment to standards and safety, and an advancement in employee retention by providing our rivers crews the opportunity to stay in contact with family and friends while working on the boat,” he said.
