Objectives of the service
The objective of the project is the development and validation of a system for the provisioning of an integrated maritime communications service.
The system will be based on a high performance VSAT component supporting advanced service features like bandwidth on-demand provisioning at fleet and application level, store & forward data transmission and transparent switching of the user traffic between the VSAT component and complementary satellite and wireless systems.
The SASS@Sea system will be validated during a four months pilot phase by four tanker vessels operating in the North Atlantic, US East Coast and Baltic Sea regions.
The system will support the following features:
- Provisioning of Committed Information Rate (CIR) at fleet level and bandwidth on-demand at application level,
- Store & forward transfer of high data volumes during off-peak traffic periods,
- "Occasional Use" bandwidth on-demand service for non-routine or emergency applications,
- Transparently switching between different maritime networks,
- Open system architecture enabling the integration of future maritime networks (future proof).
The scope of development includes:
- An Onboard Multi Services Gateway (OMSG) for vessels providing connectivity to all relevant maritime communications services including a high performance VSAT system,
- A Shore Multi Services Gateway (SMSG) for shipping companies,
- A Service Management System (SMS) supporting advanced bandwidth management and VSAT beam switching functionality.
The SASS@Sea multi services gateways in conjunction with the Service Management System will be designed as service platform which will be open to integrate different, also future networks.
The project developments will be validated during a four months pilot phase by tanker vessels operating in the North Atlantic, US East Coast and Baltic Sea regions.
Current Status
The project was completed successfully end of 2013. The operation is being continued for beta testing with the pilot user and other friendly users. Subject to the results, the roll-out of the fully operational service is planned until mid of 2014.
