SHIP-SHORE AND SHIP-SHIP DATA TRANSFER

During recent years there has been significant development in several technologies which can contribute to the efficiency and safety of mari time traffic. The most important of these are accurate positioning sys tems (DGPS), digital data transmission/transponder technology, electro nic chart systems (ECDIS), control of ships using electronic passage p lans, and ship path prediction. With a widespread implementation of th ese new techniques, combined with advanced ship-shore and ship-ship da ta transfer, significant improvements can be achieved in traffic situa tion awareness both in a VTS and onboard. This paper describes the res earch carried out at VTT on VTS development, and especially gives an o utline of new VTS functions using ship-shore and ship-ship data transf er.