Saab TransponderTech AB, being the first to have its AIS System type approved by BSH, recently reported the delivery of their 500th Transponder during 2002 to the marine market. This makes them by far the biggest supplier of AIS.
At the same time, 500 AIS systems come into another light when taking into account the high pressure due to the time schedule of the implementation of AIS:
With approximately 6,000 SOLAS vessels to be fitted out with AIS-systems during the next 10 months, there is a high demand. All existing tankers, approximately 11,000, have to carry AIS not later than that first safety
equipment audit after July 1, 2003. IMO will decide on an earlier date for mandatory carriage for all SOLAS vessel.