Rolls-Royce and European Space Agency embark on digital shipping project

Operating vessels remotely is not new to the space industry, so the collaborators will explore the possibility of software and satellite-based technologies developed by the sector being used in the maritime field.

This includes developments to wireless networks including satellite carrier systems to allow vessel-to-shore and ship-to-ship communication.

The commercial shipping industry could benefit from technologies that provide continuity of communications, according to Antonio Franchi, Future Projects, Telecommunications and Integrated Applications Directorate at ESA.

This could lead to the development of smart logistics systems, with seamless communication with cargo from the warehouse, through its transit in port and the ship crossing, to its final destination, he said.

The organisations will also investigate the idea of developing satellite-based positioning for smart ships, based on ESA’s Earth observation system. This would give those operating the ships better spatial and situational awareness, while allowing satellites to capture and share information from different vessels simultaneously.

“The upcoming challenges for satellite-based positioning for smart ships in a marine environment are quite unique,” said Franchi.