VDES/AIS SHORE BASED STATION
Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) are designed to be capable of automatically transmitting all necessary data such as position, speed, course, cargo and MSSI to other ships and coastal authorities.
Danphone is a reputed supplier of complete, rack mount AIS Physical Shore Stations (PSS), built to meet individual customer specifications. In this capacity, we work with lading suppliers of base station transponders and AIS system software.
Depending on the customer's requirements and scope of supply, we can offer equipment supply, manufacturing, installation and test.
Examples of application are:
- Stand-alone AIS base stations at remote locations with poor or non-existing infrastructure.
- Economical alternative for sea areas where full-featured AIS base stations are not required.
- Supplement to existing AIS networks.
WHAT IS AIS?
AIS (Automatic Identification System) is a VHF-based navigation which automatically provides all the necessary data such as position, course, speed and MMSI to other ships and coastal authorities. It is an automatic tracking system used for collision avoidance of ships. The information from the AIS makes it possible to present a complete overview of the present ship traffic at the ocean.
AIS information supplements marine radar, which continues to be the primary method of collision avoidance at sea. In addition to collision avoidance, AIS also forms the core element in vessel traffic services (VTS).
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) requires AIS transponders to be fitted on board all vessels with gross tonnage of 300 or more and all passenger ships regardless of size.
What is VDES?
Global Maritime Safety VDES
VDES supports the reception of Maritime Safety Information (MSI), even in remote regions. VDES enables ships to receive Maritime Safety Information (MSI) even outside traditional NAVTEX coverage areas - improving safety, connectivity, and situational awareness across all sea regions.
How Danphone and partners are securing the digital communication chain from shore to ship.
Future-Proofing Maritime Safety: Distributing MSI via VDES
The maritime industry is facing a perfect storm: increasing traffic, geopolitical uncertainty, and a rising tide of cyber threats. Combined with climate change creating more unpredictable conditions at sea, the need for resilient and secure communication has never been greater.
At Danphone, we have spearheaded a breakthrough project focused on distributing Maritime Safety Information (MSI) using VDES (VHF Data Exchange System). This technology is a game-changer for navigational safety, emergency response, and national information resilience.
Beyond NAVTEX: The Need for Reliable Data
Modern vessels are no longer just ships; they are data-driven hubs. Navigational warnings, weather alerts, and distress messages must be transmitted quickly and securely.
Our project explores how VDES acts as the vital digital successor or supplement to existing systems like NAVTEX. By leveraging VDES, we create a scalable and secure communication chain that is resistant to manipulation and interference.
Key Technical Milestones Achieved
Through rigorous testing and development, our consortium has demonstrated:
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A Functional MSI Gateway: Managing logic and seamless distribution of critical alerts.
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S-124 Standard Implementation: Conversion of data to the new S-124 standard and full integration into the Maritime Connectivity Platform (MCP).
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End-to-End Validation: Comprehensive testing under realistic maritime conditions to ensure reliability.
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Terrestrial & Satellite Insights: Documentation showing that Terrestrial VDES is ready for operational use, while identifying the global capacity potential for Satellite VDES.
Setting the New International Standard
For those not immersed in maritime technical standards daily, the message is clear: This project proves that VDES is the future of maritime safety. By evolving MSI distribution into a future international standard, we are not just improving navigation - we are strengthening national security and building a more sustainable, digital maritime infrastructure.
What actually happens behind the scenes when critical safety information is sent out at sea?
Watch the Technology in Action
A Strong Consortium for a Safer Ocean
This project is the result of a powerful collaboration between:
- Danphone: Specialists in terrestrial VDES and coastal radio infrastructure.
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Sternula: Experts in satellite-based VDES and maritime messaging.
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DigitalLead: Project management, ensuring coordination and global visibility.
We extend a warm thank you to Den Danske Maritime Fond for their support. Their contribution strengthens Denmark’s position as a global leader in maritime innovation and makes the world’s oceans safer for everyone.