We are proud to announce that we are nearly finished with the first phase of the Sri Lanka VMS project. The final batch of BlueTraker VMS devices was dispatched on April 6th, 2023. This marks a significant milestone in the project, which began in the summer of 2021, with the signing of the contract between EMA, the provider of a complete VMS solution, and several organizations, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Government of Australia (the Department of Home Affairs), the Sri Lankan Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR), and the Government of Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lanka VMS project is designed to enhance the management and monitoring of the fishing industry, promoting sustainable fishing practices while also improving the livelihoods of local fishing communities. As part of this project, EMA provided a comprehensive solution that includes onboard hardware and software. Each hardware set consists of a BlueTraker VMS transponder, either LED or LCD ConBox 2018, mounting accessory, and cable sets, all extensively tested for flawless operation in harsh marine environments.
Most of the 4200 sets have already been installed on the Sri Lankan fleet of fishing vessels, thanks to the hard work of our partner Zindhu in Colombo, who has also been responsible for installations thus far. The remaining sets will also be installed by Zindhu, ensuring that all Sri Lankan fishing vessels will be equipped with the necessary VMS technology.
Along with the hardware, EMA also provided SecondScreen software, a web-based application that delivers valuable insights about fishing fleet activities directly to Sri Lankan Fisheries Monitoring Centre (FMC). This innovative software allows advanced real-time tracking, monitoring, and control over BlueTraker devices through an interactive, user-friendly, and feature-rich interface.
The completion of deliveries and installations of BlueTraker system in the Sri Lanka VMS project is a significant achievement for EMA and our partners. It represents a major step forward in promoting sustainable fishing practices and protecting the marine environment while also helping to improve the livelihoods of local fishing communities. In the project’s next phase, EMA will continue to offer its software, service, and support, ensuring that the Sri Lankan fishing industry remains sustainable and prosperous for years to come.