Saab transponder sets new standard for global maritime communication
Saab has achieved major breakthroughs in maritime communication with its VDES (VHF Data Exchange System) transponder aboard the Ymir-1 satellite. For the first time, global coverage with reliable data reception and transmission to and from vessels is being delivered.
Launched in November 2023, the Swedish-built satellite equipped with Saab’s R6 VDES Payload has tested and developed the next generation of the Automatic Identification System (AIS), which all ships use to communicate their position, speed, course, and other vital data. In partnership with AAC Clyde Space, ORBCOMM -- and partly funded by The Swedish Transport Administration -- the satellite has performed several tests, providing valuable contribution to the development of the international VDES standard.
The R6 VDES Payload onboard Ymir-1 has demonstrated its remarkable capabilities such as consistently detecting over 60,000 unique vessels per day and ability to send navigational warning alarms to vessels to demonstrate the VDES services. This achievement establishes the R6 VDES Payload as a new benchmark for global AIS reception and VDES performance.
"We are incredibly proud of the R6 VDES Payload’s performance onboard Ymir-1," says Johanna Gustafsson, CEO of Saab TransponderTech. "This technology not only supports all AIS messages but also enables two-way communication, paving the way for safer and more reliable maritime operations and sets a new global standard for maritime communication."
The primary catalyst for VDES is the limited capacity of today’s AIS system, unable to cope with growing traffic congestion and alarming security issues. With space-based VDES, capacity will significantly increase, enabling secure communication via satellites and providing global coverage, as opposed to previous systems which are confined to the coastline. VDES represents a technological leap forward in maritime communication, providing ships with affordable capability of real-time data exchange. This will allow ships to optimize routes based on advanced prediction algorithms, saving fuel and contributing to a more sustainable future.
“It’s been quite a journey”, says Andreas Fredmer, Project Manager Ymir-1, “Seeing us take our ideas to reality, then watching it all launch into space and hope it works out, quite nerve wrecking as you can imagine. We have learned a lot from these past years building our satellite and payload and I am really grateful to my project team that made it all possible and to the Swedish Transport Administration for their support that got us off the ground.”
With these excellent results the project now moves to a close having showed incredible performance and innovative engineering to bring terrestrial technology to a satellite platform that benefits maritime safety and sustainability. The three companies will continue to operate Ymir-1 and perform VDES testing on behalf of interested parties around the world.