SATMAR is an innovative project led by Alén Space and Egatel that aims to set a milestone in the digitisation of maritime communications. Its main objective is to validate the new VDES (VHF Data Exchange System) standard in orbit, which is set to replace the current AIS (Automatic Identification System), through the launch and operation of a 6U nanosatellite that will act as a test bed over Spain and its surrounding waters.
The initiative includes the design, manufacture, launch and operation of this satellite, as well as the development of on-board terminals and coastal stations, in order to assess the viability of a complete VDES-based maritime communications solution. This technology will enable advanced services such as two-way communication, connectivity at great distances from the coast, optimised management of maritime alerts, accurate arrival time estimates and data encryption, among others.
SATMAR, which has been selected by the Ports 4.0 capital fund, promoted by Puertos del Estado and the Spanish Port Authorities, as one of the initiatives with the greatest transformative potential, is being developed in collaboration with the Algeciras Port Authority, which acts as a facilitating agent, and companies in the maritime-port sector such as Oritia & Boreas and Hércules Control, which allows use cases to be validated in a real operating environment and provides first-hand knowledge of the needs of the sector.
Within this framework, three pilot projects have been defined in the Port of Algeciras, with the APBA acting as facilitator:
The first pilot, developed in collaboration with Oritia&Boreas, aims to demonstrate the technology’s ability to transmit data securely and at low cost from remote areas for the monitoring of environmental variables (mainly wind). This data is of interest for different types of projects, such as predicting sea conditions, calibrating climate models, or prospecting for the deployment of offshore wind farms. As a test, a weather station located in the Port of Algeciras will be used, from which information will be sent via a VDES terminal.
The second pilot focuses on the integration of AIS data obtained via satellite, through the new data exchange protocol, into the APBA’s digital ecosystem. In addition, the pilot will validate the compatibility between current AIS data and data provided under the VDES standard, as well as the interoperability between land and satellite via a VDES coastal base station. AIS data from ships outside the range of the ground station will be used to validate the integration.
The third pilot seeks to improve communication between ships and the Port Authority. Thanks to VDES technology, two-way communication will be established, allowing information to be sent from ship to port and from port to ship, with the aim of optimising port traffic and reducing unnecessary waiting times and associated emissions. This pilot project involves the installation of communication equipment both in the port and on the ship, as well as data integration.
In addition to enabling two-way satellite communications in the VHF band, even in areas far from the coast, the new features offered by the VDES standard also represent a significant improvement in the efficiency, safety and sustainability of maritime traffic, as well as new possibilities for digital services in port environments. The aim is that, thanks to this new standard, ships will be able to maintain constant communications with the mainland even on the high seas, receive emergency warnings and have useful, up-to-date information to optimise their routes, reducing fuel consumption and pollution levels.
Expected results
- Validate VDES technology in orbit as an evolution of the AIS system to improve maritime communication, both for ships and other devices and sensors.
- Demonstrate the technical and operational viability of a complete maritime communications solution via nanosatellite, as well as the integration of satellite data into port management systems for more efficient decision-making.
- Develop VDES-compatible onboard terminals and coastal stations.
- Improve maritime communications and safety through advanced two-way communication services and data encryption, which in turn will improve maritime traffic management and reduce the associated environmental impact.
- Creation of a technological base for the future deployment of VDES nanosatellite constellations.
- Positioning of the Algeciras Port and Spain as an international benchmark in the adoption of satellite technologies for the naval sector.
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