Maritime Applications exploiting Reliable VHF data Exchange LOW cost System

In order to obtain a "maritime awareness picture", Marvelows integrates satcom and navigation space assets. With specific reference to the two services analysed in MARVELOWS: a) Towage Service: GNSS/AIS position of vessels and tugs are used to support the management of daily operations of, for example, one or more tugs driving a vessel to the assigned berth; satcom are used to support the communication between local crew and headquarter in the management of contingencies in out-of-coverage areas along the coast and/or far from the harbour, where no terrestrial operator guarantee connectivity services; b) Dematerialisation Service: GNSS/AIS position of vessels are used to provide location-based content to registered vessels, both in push and pull mode through the ‘better communication channel’ among the available one. Contents are various and depend on the specific subscription, however two main classes of content have been identified: ‘large-size’ content (e.g. ENC-Electronic Nautical Chart, DP-Digital Publications, Cumulative NTM-Notice To Mariner and so on) and ‘small-size’ content (e.g. ENC/DP updates, temporary and preliminary info, Local Notice to Mariner). Large-size contents are transmitted via “broadband” communication channels (terrestrial and satellite along the coasts and satellite-only in deep sea); small-size contents are transmitted via narrowband channels (terrestrial and satellite along the coasts and satellite-only in deep sea). The targeted user communities include: Maritime and Port authorities; Sea ports and marinas; Ship owners and operators; Fishing operators; Recreational boating.