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ONE Sea Association and the European Space Agency (ESA) have entered into a Memorandum of Intent (MoI) to facilitate the development of new space-enabled services that will support the maritime industry's move towards autonomous shipping, reports Rotterdam's Offshore Energy.
The partnership will combine One Sea's expertise in the autonomous shipping and maritime sectors with ESA's technical capabilities and mandate to support the development and testing of space solutions that meet user requirements through the Business Applications and Space Solutions program.
The adoption of autonomous shipping technologies and operations relies heavily on satellite communication and navigation, particularly in offshore passages where ships are far from land.
Satellites offer secure and robust communication channels for the monitoring, command, and control of autonomous ships.
Additionally, high-precision position navigation and timing (PNT) provided by satellites is crucial for the safe operation of autonomous shipping in ports and congested areas.
"We are thrilled about the possibility to collaborate with ESA. We are looking forward to finding ways to jointly support the development of safe and sustainable maritime transport," said One Sea Association secretary general Sinikka Hartonen.
Said Studies Implementation Division head Rita Rinaldo: "ESA is keen to kick-off the work with One Sea Association and its members to strengthen the development and adoption of space solutions as enablers of digital and autonomous shipping, accelerating the sustainable transformation of the maritime sector."