Reliable and cost-effective communication at high seas, for a safe operation of autonomous ship

Abstract

Nowadays, the high automation of ships has resulted in an ever -increasing need for real time data exchange to monitor ships, cargo, and ensure safety and security on board. This evolution in ship technology and management, must be supported by reliable, and cost-effective communication carriers. The satellite communication services can deliver vital real time capability to keep the ship continuously connected to the maritime players while it is trading worldwide. At high seas, the only communication service that can meet the ship need in term of data exchange is the mobile satellite communication. The reliability of these communication services will contribute significantly in the success of the future implementation of the autonomous ship in the maritime industry. This paper consists of the presentation of an overview of the current satellite services and its comparison in term of reliability, cost-effectiveness, and its capability to meet the autonomous ship communication need for its safe operation. This study results in a proposal of the suitable satellite communication services that can support the implementation of autonomous ship.