Providing better communications systems for the maritime sector

The aim of the SatCom4Mar project is to provide better communications systems for the maritime sector. The maritime user applications requiring access to communication systems can be divided into 6 main areas: 1) safety & security, 2) vessel operations, 3) regulations/policy, 4) tracking & monitoring, 5) crew welfare, and 6) shared situational awareness. Within the project the current and planned communication systems are evaluated. Furthermore, the statutory maritime communications requirements are identified. In a next step demands are derived, followed by the opportunity for satellite systems, services and technologies. The main challenges of the Project SatCom4Mar are the compilation of all information and the identification of opportunities and their selection. The main outcomes of the selection process of identified opportunities will be disseminated to relevant bodies. A developed road map towards potential new satellite systems and technology candidates could lead the way towards technologies that look promising enough to be investigated.