Galvanising support

E-Navigation is the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO’s) ambitious concept to revolutionise the way ships navigate and communicate through the implementation of new technology. We first reported the concept a few years ago, so what has happened since? Fortunately, the concept has not run aground, but it has found itself constrained by the pace of work within international standardisation forums.

This slow pace presents problems. As long as the contents of the concept remain undefined, the benefits remain equally murky. Our discussions with various industry stakeholders, and particularly with ship owners/operators, have indicated that the lack of clarity raises questions about the benefits of e-Navigation, and even whether it will ultimately happen.

Clearly, one of the best ways to help galvanise support and provide some impetus for the concept is to demonstrate its economic viability. So the General Lighthouse Authorities commissioned Helios to help do just that by undertaking preparatory consultations regarding the business case for e-Navigation, from the point of view of shore-side authorities. Our team engaged with potential beneficiaries, examined their requirements and produced useful indicators of where the main benefits could be obtained.

As we move forward into the IMO’s work programme for 2012, greater clarity is needed on the content and benefits of e-Navigation if the concept is to prosper. Helios project manager Steve Leighton says: “Some evidence is emerging that this is taking place with the recent adoption by the IMO of ‘Maritime Service Portfolios’. These will define specific services that maritime administrations could be expected to provide in different parts of the marine environment. Providing evidence of the benefits could help obtain some ‘market pull’ for what is currently a very institutionally-driven programme”.

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Photo courtesy TRANSAS USA / Paul Welling