A senior official with the Maritime Safety Administration of China said that the nation has achieved remarkable progress in VTS system development.

The official made these remarks at the Fifth Asia-Pacific Heads of Maritime Safety Agencies Forum here Tuesday.

The first VTS system was installed at east China's Ningbo port in 1978. In the past decade, China has added 19 more VTS systems with the flourishing of maritime transportation and the improvement in scientific technology. The biggest one is now located in Shanghai port.

Experts pointed out that VTS systems can provide comprehensive and instant information, optimize traffic flow management and minimize accident risks.

Some 100 delegates from 18 countries and regions participated in the forum.

(people's daily 09/12/2001)