Pasuvo
Port Arrival System Using VDES and Data-Driven Optimization
About PASUVO
The main objective of the project is to design, implement, and validate a prototype of the Port ArrivalSystem that enables secure, reliable, and standard-based information exchange between ships and portstakeholders. For connectivity between ship and shore, we will be using the new VHF Data ExchangeSystem (VDES). By this choice, the project will demonstrate how digital ship-to-shore coordination canbe achieved independently of broadband connectivity and satellite links, making the solution robust,scalable, and suitable for safety-critical maritime operations.A second objective is to support JIT arrival of vessels through automated route optimisation. Bycombining current and past voyage information, port readiness data, and operational constraints, theproject will develop methods for calculating and updating optimal vessel routes and speeds, allowingships to adjust their arrival time dynamically in line with port availability. This reduces waiting time atanchorage, fuel consumption, and associated emissions, while improving berth and resource utilisationin ports.
Project description:
The PASUVO project builds a Port Arrival System to support Just-in-Time vessel arrivals, cutting emissions, waiting times, and fuel use while improving port efficiency. It responds to IMO's GreenVoyage2050 initiative, which identified poor port-call coordination as a major inefficiency. The system has two core parts: secure ship-to-port data exchange using VDES (independent of satellite/broadband), and automated route/speed optimization based on voyage and port-readiness data. The project will be implemented through a close collaboration between industry and academia. Sternula Japan, working closely with and established by the Japanese Port Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) operator, TST Corporation, will lead the end user involvement, definition of requirements, and perform technical integration for system validation, including the VDES communication setup, Maritime Messaging Service(MMS) integration. Sternula Denmark will contribute development of VDES, MMS, and S-100-basedsoftware components for the Port CDM system component prototype, and study applicability of the Port CDS system for European VTS operators. Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology (TUMSAT)will contribute research on automated vessel routing and Just-in-Time (JIT) arrival algorithms. The work will focus on data-driven optimization methods using historical and real-time AIS data to predict vessel routes, speed profiles, and arrival times under given voyage and port readiness constraints.
- Improve operational efficiency while reducing GHG emissions and port congestion
- Easy implementation by focusing on a solution that integrates with existing port systems and supports gradual adoption.
- Improved safety and predictability in port approaches and congested waters
- Contributes to the broader digital transformation of the maritime sector, which is one of the main drivers for partners in this project.
The partners
The following entities are partners in the PASUVO project:
As project coordinator and lead technical partner, Sternula is responsible for the overall coordination, technical coherence, and timely execution of the project. Sternula leads WP1, WP2, WP4, and WP6, while also contributing expertise across the remaining work packages to ensure consistency between research, system development, and validation activities.
Sternula manages the overall project, governance, reporting, and coordination and contributes to requirements and use-case definition. Sternula defies the system architecture and ensuring interoperability with maritime standards and Port CDM/JIT concepts. Lastly Sternula leads development to adapt its systems for JIT arrival services, implementing S-100/S-421 route support and preparing for integration with outputs from WP3–WP5.
Contact Sternula:
Adam Kalnický
Project Coordinator
+45 5031 5537
adk@sternula.com
Sternula Japan will contribute by leading the ship–port operational requirements consolidation and by driving the end-to-end integration and demonstration of standard-based information exchange. We will design and implement the ship–shore communication and data distribution concept (VDES and S-100/S-124), define measurable KPIs (e.g., delivery success rate, timeliness, operational usability, and impact on waiting time/fuel/CO₂), and coordinate field-demonstration planning with relevant stakeholders.
We will also support the exploitation pathway by translating demonstration results into a scalable deployment and commercialisation roadmap, including partner roles, operational procedures, and integration approaches with existing port systems and shipboard solutions.
Contact Sternula Japan:
Koichi Nishimura
President and Representative Director
+ 81 80 6112 1896
koichi.nishimura@sternula.co.jp
The participation of Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology (TUMSAT) adds scientific credibility and an academic perspective to this international cooperation, strengthening cross-border knowledge exchange and supporting methodological rigor and long-term innovation.
Additionally TUMSAT will get access to real port use cases, AIS data, and VDES-based communication which enables the university to bridge theoretical research and practical maritime application, strengthening scientific output, student involvement, and long-term research on smart ports and maritime digitalisation.
Furthermore TUMSAT will use the results for continued research, education, and scientific dissemination, while supporting industrial exploitation where relevant. This matter will be thoroughly documented in the Consortium Agreement.
Contact TUMSAT:
Daisuke Watanabe
Professor, Ph.D. Department of
Logistics and Information Engineering
+81 352457367
daisuke@kaiyodai.ac.jp
Current Status
The project was kicked off in July 2026.