Sternula and NIMASA signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the development, launch, and later operation of a Nigerian satellite network for maritime communications on the new AIS 2.0 (VDES) standard. This network will complement Sternula’s existing AIS 2.0 satellite infrastructure, revolutionizing communication between maritime authorities, ports, and ships on a global scale. The shared satellite network will ensure increased digitization of maritime services involving the critical systems on board the ship, in particular on the ship’s bridge.
Initially, the focus will be on the services provided by maritime authorities, such as navigation warnings, weather forecasts, and digital maritime information. Later, many commercial services will be developed specifically for AIS 2.0, including route optimization and control of autonomous ships. Notably, AIS 2.0, offers distinct advantages over satellite networks, particularly in terms of security. Unlike networks providing unrestricted internet access, AIS 2.0 offers a secured communication solution, mitigating the risk of cyber threats on the ship bridge without exposing the bridge to the open internet. Just like in the cockpit of an aircraft, the risk of a hacker attack will simply be too great, and therefore the maritime industry has developed AIS 2.0 as an extra secured communication solution that allows data transfers but prevents a terrorist or enemy from taking control of a ship.
About AIS 2.0 (VDES):
- it is the new communication solution to implement the e-Navigation strategy
- AIS 2.0 is an extension to AIS, adding two-way data channels over VHF
- by using special satellite channels (up and down), every ship with a VHF antenna will be able to communicate globally
