CVA Technology Company Ltd, the operator of Valletta’s vehicular access monitoring system, has been roped in a consortium fronted by Siemens Australia to participate in the expression of interest procedure for the development of a similar project at a Melbourne port.
The Victoria Department of Transport project aims to introduce a differential charge system on freight trucks accessing the Swanson Dock Shipping terminals.
Valletta-based CVA, which launched its operation in the capital in May 2007, brings its considerable experience to the consortium, of which Siemens Austria is also a member, and is capable of significant knowledge transfer.
The document submitted for the “expression of interest for the provision of freight infrastructure charge assessment and collection services” is expected to be reviewed by the end of the year. Further details on an eventual tender process for the project at Swanson Dock East and West will be made available next year.
CVA operations manager Brian Gatt told The Times Business that 14 companies were represented at a recent site visit and the competition for the contract is expected to be fierce.
Chief operations officer Keith Sacco said the pilot project at the Australian port was less complex than the Valletta system which factored in several exemptions and entry and exit points. “Raw sightings” in Valletta reach between 12 to 14 million a year. In comparison, around one million vehicles will access two designated areas of the enclosed Victoria port which sees considerable cargo traffic.
The Australian project is CVA’s first real opportunity to venture abroad with its vehicular access model.
The company showcased its system overseas at a EuroMoney event in Rome but its first contact with Siemens came through a shared interest in a vehicular access system for New York planned by mayor Michael Bloomberg. CVA and Siemens officials met in Milan last year but the New York project was shelved by New York authorities. That meeting – and a later audit of CVA’s systems – eventually led to Siemens inviting CVA to join the consortium for the proposed Australian venture.
The system in operation in Valletta features a camera solution and a locally-developed software and billing platform. The CVA consortium made Dakar, Charonite and Anfra Ltd was tasked with the design, development, installation and operation of the CVA system in 2006. A staff complement of 20, including 12 full-timers, oversees the Valletta operation through all its phases from capture to accounts closure, including billing and contestations, and also operates a small call centre. The system is interfaced with the police and Valletta council.
CVA also forms part of the Transdev Plus consortium, one of two confirmed short-listed bidders for the public transport reform tender. The company has also submitted an offer for the management and operation of the deepwater quay car park in Marsa, following a public call by Transport Malta.