Join Us for an Exclusive Online Event on Maritime Safety!
How can VDES technology improve maritime communication and safety? What role do EU regulations play in shaping the future of maritime operations? And how can your organisation stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly evolving industry?
🖥 Event: Safety at Sea - VDES Technology and EU Regulation in Practice
🗓️ Date: 7th May 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 - 11:15 (CET)
🚢 Hosted by: Aalborg Maritime & Logistics, DigitalLead, Den Danske Maritime Fond, Danphone A/S, and Sternula ApS.
Why Attend?
Gain key insights into the latest developments in maritime safety, VDES technology, and the vital role of EU regulations in enhancing communication at sea, including:
VDES & MSI in Practice: Discover how VDES technology improves maritime data communication, enhances safety, and supports vital transmission of Maritime Safety Information (MSI) via satellite and terrestrial systems.
Real-World Experiences: Hear first-hand from the Maritime Safety Information (MSI) project on how VDES is tested across different geographical areas.
Planning & Testing: Get insight at how we prepare and execute technical tests for VDES technology.
EU Regulations: Understand the essential IMO and EU regulations that ensure maritime safety and how the industry navigates compliance.
Future Perspectives: Learn what the future holds for VDES, new use cases, and how industry-wide collaboration is key to accelerating adoption.
Is this Event for You?
This event is ideal for professionals in maritime safety, technology, and regulation, including:
Are you a shipping company or maritime service provider looking to stay updated on the latest technology trends?
Do you represent a telecommunications or satellite provider keen to understand the future of maritime communication?
Are you from a maritime authority or research institution working on technology, safety, or regulation?
Do not miss this opportunity to engage with experts and gain valuable knowledge about the future of maritime communication.
We look forward to seeing you there.
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Project Background
Maritime Safety Information (MSI) via the New VDES Technology – Test and Demonstration
Background
The maritime sector has undergone significant development in communication technologies in recent years, with VDES (VHF Data Exchange System) emerging as an area of strong investment interest. MSI (Maritime Safety Information) broadcasts have traditionally been transmitted via NAVTEX, which relies on low-frequency transmission equipment. However, this method has limitations in terms of data rate and coverage. In addition, it is vulnerable to hostile actors who could easily transmit false MSI messages from unauthorised transmitters (a threat known as “spoofing”). Today, it is possible to use satellite- or shore-based VDES for MSI distribution, with supporting global standards such as MMS and S-100 enhancing the system’s resilience against spoofing.
Project
The project aims to develop and test the feasibility of using VDES technology for the dissemination of MSI messages across geographically diverse regions by leveraging the advantages of satellites and their orbit around the Earth. The long-term perspective is to utilise satellite-based solutions, which—due to their rotation—can offer a global network and thereby reduce the need for land-based maintenance. As part of the project, a gateway will be developed to manage the logic for MSI message transmission (e.g. where, when, etc.). One of the gateway’s outputs will be a connection to the VDES network, enabling messages to be transmitted via VDES. Following the development phase, the solution will be tested and demonstrated by sending a message and receiving it on a vessel equipped with VDES data reception capabilities.
Expected Results
The project is expected to support Denmark’s already favourable position within the field of VDES. Danphone and Sternula have joined forces for this project, facilitated by DigitalLead and supported by The Danish Maritime Fond. Danphone’s longstanding experience as a developer, manufacturer, and supplier of coastal radio systems internationally, combined with Sternula’s expertise in satellite development, forms the foundation for an innovative approach to new technology. This collaboration is intended to help secure a strong future basis for Danish technological solutions and ensure that Denmark remains at the forefront of maritime innovation.
The specific expected outcome of the project is to demonstrate the feasibility of using VDES for MSI transmission. As satellites are not stationary, the project involves considerable complexity, particularly in relation to timing, positioning, and other technical aspects. To simplify and define the project’s scope, message reception on the vessel will be visualised on a PC, rather than being integrated into the ship’s existing onboard systems.