Scientific paper ID 1609 : 2018/3

This paper represents the possibilities for using satellite data of the European Space Agency in the interest of enhancing the level of information awareness related to vessel traffic management both in coastal areas and in the open seas. The use of Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-3 data, based on space-based sensor systems, both alone and in combination, is a new tool for better quality control by experts in safety and security of maritime transport. Correlation of satellite data with data of coastal surveillance systems (radar and automatic identification systems - AIS) allows the rapid detection of potential threats. Timely informing and activating the specialized services of responsible ministries, directorates and administrations for preventive action is guaranteed.

In addition to vessel traffic monitoring, the satellite (remote) sensing systems used to collect data for atmosphere condition over the sea and ground are shown. Using that data, the meteorological forecasts can be subsequently produced. The most important parameters with regard to the safety and security of the maritime transport are the direction and the strength of the wind (ground wind), which directly affect the permission control regime in the Bulgarian seaports.