MSI OVER VDES
Maritime Safety Information via VHF Data Exchange System
Sternula and Danphone Collaboration on VDES Technology to Improve Maritime Safety
Sternula, the world’s first commercial satellite operator utilizing VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) technology, is at the forefront of enhancing maritime safety through innovative communication solutions. In collaboration with Danphone, a leader in maritime communication since 1990, Sternula is integrating VDES into existing Maritime Safety Information (MSI) systems to modernize the dissemination of critical information to vessels globally.
Advancing Maritime Safety Information
MSI is essential for conveying vital data such as weather alerts, navigation warnings, and potential hazards to ships, ensuring the safety of life at sea (SOLAS). Traditional methods of transmitting MSI have relied on various communication channels. By incorporating VDES – a modern communication standard defined by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) that combines terrestrial and satellite-based communication – Sternula aims to enhance the efficiency and reliability of these broadcasts.
The integration of VDES technology into MSI systems offers numerous advantages:
- Enhanced Safety: Providing ships with more timely and relevant information to navigate safely.
- Operational Efficiency: Enabling precise arrival times, which can lead to significant fuel savings and reduced environmental impact.
“The purpose of VDES is to ensure that more relevant information reaches ships, which can bring many benefits: for instance, vessels can navigate more safety and arrive precisely on schedule”, says Lars Moltsen, founder and CEO of Sternula. He adds that precise arrival times can help ships save significant amounts of fuel, as it prevents them from sailing too quickly to a port where space has not yet been freed.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Outlook
This initiative is facilitated by DigitalLead, Denmark’s national digital technology cluster, and supported by the Danish Maritime Fund. The project is expected to run until 2025, with the first test results anticipated at that time. Sternula’s commitment to leveraging VDES technology underscores its dedication to improving maritime safety and operational efficiency on a global scale.
By pioneering the integration of VDES into maritime communications, Sternula continues to lead the way in advancing the safety and efficiency of global shipping operations.
The following entities are partners in the MSI over VDES Project
Sternula is Denmark’s first commercial satellite operator, offering global VDE-SAT connectivity for maritime authorities and industries using their own fleet of advanced micro satellites in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) from which the first one was launched in January 2023. They take an active role together with global maritime stakeholders to standardize VDES under IALA, IMO, and ITU.
Contact Sternula:
Lars Moltsen
CEO
+45 2521 4635
lars@sternula.com
Danphone is a global partner and supplier within the maritime sector providing coastal radio, NAVTEX, AIS systems and test equipment for radio inspections. Danphone is a part of the ecosystem for critical infrastructure for communication and safety in the maritime sector. Today, Danphone is a world leader, supplying Coastal Radio and NAVTEX transmitters in more than 40 countries – and Futronic GMDSS testers in 85 countries.
Contact Danphone:
Claus Falk
CEO
+45 4012 000
cf@danphone.com
DigitalLead is Denmark's national cluster for digital technologies and serves as a focal point for digital innovation - both for companies that develop digital solutions, as well as for other sectors that need innovative digital solutions. DigitalLead thus constitutes a unique platform for innovation and growth in the interaction between business, research and educational institutions, public authorities and citizens. DigitalLead is co-financed by the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science, the Danish Business Development Agency and the European Regional Development Fund.
Contact DigitalLead:
Birgit Pia Nøhr
CEO
+45 2972 0701
bpn@digitallead.dk
