First STM Ship Systems Installed

Posted by Eric Haun August 22, 2017

Displays on Stena Germanica outbound from Gothenburg show AIS targets of RS 1100 (portside) and RS Marta Collin (starboard). Left is the normal presentation, monitored route and the two AIS targets. Right includes STM-functions and two routes from the AIS targets. The STM ECDIS predict intersection points between ships route and CPA. (Image: STM)

The STM Validation project has installed the first Sea Traffic Management (STM) compatible bridge systems, connecting ships with shore based services and actors. All available functions are said to be working flawlessly, including route optimization and synchronized port calls, as well as sending and receiving route segments ship to ship. The ships equipped are Stena Germanica and two rescue units from Swedish Sea Rescue Society ( SSRS), Rescue Märta Collin and Rescue 11-00.

The route message format used, developed as a part of the STM Validation project, is transmitted to other ships over ordinary AIS, improving the common situational awareness. The officer of the watch will see up to seven route segments of other ships, allowing him or her to predict meeting points, determine the closest point of approach (CPA), the time it will happen and at an early stage identify and avoid close situations. It will be very useful for ships in narrow channels and fairways with limited maneuverability.

Stena Germanica, while on route from Gothenburg to Kiel, automatically shared her route with the two rescue vessels, and at the same time received their routes and displayed them on the ECDIS.

Anders Rydlinger, Director for Ship Solutions at Transas, digital, innovative solutions company, said, “Through information sharing between ship and shore using the Maritime Cloud/ SeaSWIM infrastructure, we are creating a cohesive community, which enables better communications and joined-up decision making. This leads to higher operational standards, greater environmental performance, increased efficiency and improved safety record.”

Lars Littke, SSRS volunteer and Coxswain at Märta Collin, said, “During the installation tests, the routes were planned in advance and sent to the rescue units. This route sharing operation is very simple with the STM infrastructure and can be useful in real rescue operations. The capability to broadcast and share transport- and entry-routes into an area as well as routes for search patterns is a great improvement. It will simplify communication, make SAR-operations more efficient and hopefully save more lives.”

The STM test beds will include 300 ships, 13 ports and at least five shore centers.