Research students seek maritime expertise ahead of International Drone contest

A student research team from Sunyani Technical University (STU) has paid a working visit to the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) to obtain technical knowledge on ship identification and vessel tracking systems as part of preparations for the International Inter-University Project Contest on Maritime Drone Identification Systems.

The global competition, organised by the Russian University of Transport (RUT), challenges participating universities to develop innovative solutions that enhance maritime security and automation through advanced drone identification technologies.

Welcoming the team, the Acting Head of Public Relations of the GMA, Susie Afua Kotoku, and the Acting Director of Administration, Ayisha Abdul-Salam, encouraged the students to make the most of the opportunity offered by the competition and strive to bring honour to themselves, their institution and Ghana.

As part of the visit, the Head of the Vessel Traffic Management Information System (VTMIS) Unit at the GMA, Augustine Chongeterah, provided the students with in-depth insights into the operations of the Vessel Traffic Management Information System. He also educated the team on vessel construction processes and broader maritime activities within Ghana's maritime domain.

The students were further introduced to live vessel monitoring through the Automatic Identification System (AIS) and briefed on emerging advancements in underwater sensing technologies.

The hands-on industry exposure is expected to support the student team in developing a prototype identification system capable of detecting and tracking Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

Speaking after the session, the Head of the Department of Civil Engineering at STU, Dr Stephen Agyemang, expressed appreciation to the GMA for the sensitisation programme.

He noted that the knowledge gained would strengthen the students' project work, expressing confidence in their ability to excel in the competition and make both Ghana and Africa proud on the international stage.