Offshore Systems Meets Milestone in Warship-AIS Program

With the installation of Warship Automatic Identification System (W-AIS) on HMS Illustrious, the current Fleet Flag Ship of the Royal Navy, Offshore Systems Ltd. meets a major milestone of the first major platform fit of this capability. W-AIS provides the Royal Navy with exciting new capabilities that enhance situational awareness for bridge teams through the overlay of AIS contact data onto Warship Electronic Chart Display Information System (WECDIS), whilst providing the military user with a broad source of information and tools that help to extract military advantage from any AIS message including a comprehensive Recognized Maritime Picture.

HMS Illustrious is the twelfth Royal Navy platform to receive this capability. In November 2006, Offshore Systems was awarded the prime contract with the UK Ministry of Defense (MOD) to deliver and install Warship Automatic Identification Systems. W-AIS will be installed in platform Operations and Control Rooms and integrated into the Warship Electronic Chart Display and Information System on the bridge. This system will enhance awareness and contribute to the recognized maritime picture. W-AIS will be deployed on up to 77 naval ships.