FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
AIS 2.0/VDES (VHF Data Exchange System)
What is AIS 2.0?
AIS 2.0 consists of AIS (Automatic Identification System), VDES (VHF Data Exchange System), as well as supplementary technologies, such as S-100 and Maritime Connectivity Platform (MCP)/Maritime Messaging Service (MMS).
What is the difference between AIS and VDES?
AIS is a one-way digital exchange of identity, position, etc. It has been a global standard since 2001 (ITU-R M.1371-1) and has been a SOLAS requirement since 2001. AIS 2.0 (VDES) is a two-way digital exchange of data. It is a global standard since 2022 (ITU-R M.2092-1) and is confirmed to become a SOLAS requirement on January 1st, 2028.
What is the unique feature of using AIS 2.0 compared to the other satellite systems?
AIS 2.0 is designed to transfer data without an IP address. This allows digital communication to the bridge shipment as no IP address is equal to an unbreakable firewall. Remote log-in is simply not possible. The currently available satellite communication systems make use of an IP address when transferring data.
Why is Sternula leading in VDES technology?
Sternula has more than 10 years of experience in developing and standardizing VDES technology. Our co-founder is the chairman of IALA E-Nav WG3, and we are the co-founder of the
VDES Alliance. Furthermore, Sternula became the first commercial VDES satellite operator after the launch of Sternula-1 on January 3rd 2023.
Why is AIS 2.0 relevant for the maritime authorities and the vessel?
The AIS 2.0 enables IMO e-Navigations strategy implementation plan to digitize 15 obligated services from the maritime authorities to the ships.
VDE-SAT or VDE-TER?
VDE-SAT is VDES transmitted through a satellite.
VDE-TER is terrestrial VDES, transmitted by the ground stations on shore.
How can maritime authorities benefit from the use of VDE-SAT technology?
Using VDE-SAT, maritime authorities can provide their obligated services to ships in the full EEZ area. The VDES satellite provides a broad area coverage. VDES satellite can also cover areas beyond the range of terrestrial VDES, or where VDES infrastructure does not exist.
Is ship-to-ship communication possible?
Yes, there are two options: either through line-of-sight direct communication or using a satellite connection.
Can you avoid spoofing with AIS 2.0?
No, however with a 30 times higher data rate than AIS, and use of MCP/MMS it is possible to add a digital signature while transmitting the identity of a ship. This makes the information the sender is sending out trustworthy. The use of digital signature is a part of IALA guideline G1117-1 MCP.
Which equipment should be installed to receive messages through VDES?
An AIS/VDES transceiver, designed and tested to IEC 61933-2 and ITU-R M.2092-1 as applicable. We recommend installing the Sternula MMS Proxy Ship
as well.
Will AIS be obsolete?
No. The new AIS 2.0/VDES transceiver will consist of AIS/ASM and VDES/AIS 2.0. It will still be used alongside AIS as 3G and 4G or 4G and 5G are used alongside each other.
What is the latency?
It depends on where in the world you are. Contact us for more information.
Which frequency does VDES use?
VDES frequency usage is illustrated according to M2092-2 of the ITU-R M2092-1 recommendation document.
Can you transmit data from ship to shore using VDES?
Yes, you can transmit through either VDE-SAT or VDE-TER.
What is the coverage area of VDE-SAT?
About 1000 km radius.
How often does the VDES satellite visit my area?
It depends on the latitude.
Can you communicate via voice or video using VDES?
No, the available communication forms are text-based.
Can the broadcasted data (for example, S-142 weather bulletin) by VDES be displayed on the ECDIS?
Yes, since the technology is designed without an IP address, however, it depends on the ECDIS provider and the integration.
Where can I read more about AIS 2.0 (VDES)?
How does VDES integrate with ECDIS?
The ECDIS is already receiving data from the AIS over a NMEA interface (IEC 61162), and VDES data will also by output from the AIS unit using NMEA. Moreover, ECDISs are also expected to support MMS in the future, where the interface is known as MMTP. This interface will be available on the MMS Proxy.
How do SECOM and MMS work together?
Some maritime services use SECOM (IEC63173-2) to secure and authenticate maritime service data. MMS provides a SECOM Gateway to use SECOM services via MMS, offering robust and resilient transport over Internet, VDES and other communication means.