O Centro de Controlo de Tráfego Marítimo, VTS – Lisboa, gere a navegação dento da área de jurisdição da Administração do Porto de Lisboa – fornece informação e aconselha os navios que naveguem no estuário do Tejo e na aproximação a este – até um raio de 16,5 milhas náuticas, centrado no VTS – Lisboa e tendo como limite montante a Ponte Vasco da Gama.
Thus, controllers, through surveillance cameras, radars, sensors, among other support equipment, receive data that allows them to monitor and control maritime movement. Additionally, they are also responsible for managing the wharves.
Flanked by the waters of the Tagus Estuary, the Porto de Lisboa VTS Tower is located in Algés, at the end of a pier in an artificial harbor. It is supported by 25 piles 1 meter in diameter and 20 meters long, sunk 2 meters into the basaltic bottom.
The VTS Tower, designed by the architect Gonçalo Byrne, it won the Conde de Oeiras municipal architecture prize. According to the jury, «a simple gesture, geometrically clear, with an original and careful treatment and detailing of the facade, a fact that gives it a remarkable uniqueness. The rigor and quality of the project are still visible in terms of detailing and finishing options».
Atualmente acomoda também o observatório de Golfinhos no Rio Tejo.
