The Wireless Waterways system – part of the Port of Pittsburgh’s Wireless Waterways Project – is a neutral wireless broadband network that will connect all the different systems found along Pittsburgh’s Allegheny, Ohio and Monongahela rivers.
Consol’s M/V Safety Pledge is the first vessel to use the new system and will serve as a test bed for a wider national project.
Consol said in a statement on Friday that the system of connected devices and applications would help with river commerce, security, navigation, tracking and operation of waterway sensors, describing the new technology as a model for global inland waterway communication.
“It also reinforces Consol Energy’s commitment to improving standards and safety, and is an important advancement in employee retention as it improves quality of life by providing our rivers crews the opportunity to stay in contact with family and friends while working on board the boat,” said Consol’s director of river operations Al Aloia.
The Port of Pittsburgh launched the project last year and has installed the technology on the M/V Safety Pledge, vessels owned by Campbell transportation and the Gateway Clipper to date.
The Port of Pittsburgh Commission is currently working with Carnegie Mellon University and the Water Economy Networks to advance the economic development potential of the project.
“More than 200,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs in the Pittsburgh region depend upon a healthy and vibrant waterways system,” Port of Pittsburgh Commission executive director James McCarville said.
“We have a very real economic and human interest in improving the safety, security and efficiency of our inland communications system and Pittsburgh serves as a unique laboratory for this technology. I am encouraged that WW (Wireless Waterways) will enable us to lay a strong foundation for the future.”
Tests conducted on the M/V Safety Pledge will help support applications for grants to extend the project nationwide.
Consol said it was considering deploying the technology, developed by Conxx Pennsylvania, across its entire fleet, which includes 23 boats and 600 barges.
