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Frequently Asked Questions

AIS 2.0/VDES (VHF Data Exchange System)

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).

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.
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.

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.

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 is VDES transmitted through a satellite. VDE-TER is terrestrial VDES, transmitted by the ground stations on shore.
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.
Yes, there are two options: either through line-of-sight direct communication or using a satellite connection.
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.
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.
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.
It depends on where in the world you are. Contact us for more information.
VDES frequency usage is illustrated according to M2092-2 of the ITU-R M2092-1 recommendation document.
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Yes, you can transmit through either VDE-SAT or VDE-TER.
About 1000 km radius.
It depends on the latitude.
No, the available communication forms are text-based.
Yes, since the technology is designed without an IP address, however, it depends on the ECDIS provider and the integration.

You can read more about AIS 2.0 (VDES) at IALA Guideline G1117.

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.

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.

Explore AIS 2.0

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