There were many interesting presentations and discussions at the recent ECDIS Revolution conference held in London. The trend towards increasing automation and the recognition of the benefits of new technology were clearly highlighted by a number of speakers. Highlights of the conference included the discussions regarding the differing interpretations of IMO standards as to when an ECDIS (Electronic Chart and Display Information System) is an ECDIS. Notably, we heard from Nordic Tankers whose company procedures state that if the GPS input to the ECDIS fails for whatever reason, the ECDIS is no longer considered to be such. As a mandatory piece of equipment this means potential delays to a vessel attempting to enter a destination port whilst agreement is obtained from the relevant coastal administration.

Whether the Nordic Tankers interpretation of the IMO standards is right or wrong, it was interesting to hear shipping companies make such claims as it highlights the growing dependence of the maritime community on GNSS. The potential impact of a loss of GNSS guidance due to e.g. solar activity or malicious jamming, on maritime vessels has already been highlighted. Having a shipping company admit that such an event would directly impact their operations really accentuates the urgent need for a backup to GNSS. One shipping company, Arklow Shipping, went as far as to say that the enhanced Loran or eLoran system being developed in the UK by the General Lighthouse Authorities is the only viable backup to GNSS in the future environment.

As the future IMO eNavigation concept develops, the need for robust position, navigation and timing on board vessels will increase significantly. It is positive to see some businesses in the maritime industry acknowledge this and suggest possible solutions. It will be interesting to see what progress is made to resolve this critical weakness in the future maritime transport infrastructure.

Other related content

• ON AIR! newsletter article (Autumn 2011): "E-Navigation - Galvanising support"
• Helios' maritime work

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Steve Leighton
Principal
Tel: +44 1252 451 670
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