CITYnews halifax: New technology that unifies harbour activity coming to Port Halifax

CITYnews halifax/ By Emma Amodio

OneHarbour™ is coming to Port Halifax after Datifex, a 2026 NATO DIANA Innovator member, signed a Managed Service Agreement with the Halifax Port Authority (HPA).

The HPA’s Operation Centre operates one of Canada’s busiest harbours, managing vessel traffic, berth schedules, environmental conditions and safety events over many systems. OneHarbour is being introduced as a way to streamline the process and “cut through the complexity,” according to a release. OneHarbour by Datifex uses DATIVerse 3D technology — it unifies the harbour’s activities into a single browser-based interactive 3D environment, accessible from anywhere and on any device, in real time.

Photo of incident log (Port Halifax).

This system also creates automated alerts for vessel updates like collisions, unauthorized movements, restricted-zone intrusions, High Air Draft Vessel (HADV) bridge clearance risks and dangerous weather.

It also integrates data from Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders, computer vision and radar into unified ship tracks, improving detection of smaller vessels to help provide a complete, accurate and real-time picture of everything happening on the water.

“OneHarbour has given our OPCEN a level of situational awareness that wasn’t possible before — and the capabilities it brings to harbour management are insightful, timely and accurate,” said David Thomas, Executive Director, The PIER at the Halifax Port Authority. “This Agreement is an example of how The PIER and its members contribute to strengthening supply chain efficiency — by testing, demonstrating and adopting technologies in the Port of Halifax.”

The announcement comes as the H2O: Home to Overseas Conference took place in Halifax earlier this month.