International e-Nav standards come a step closer

APRIL 6, 2017 — Danish efforts to digitalize the maritime industry continue. A project led by the Danish Maritime Authority (DMA) and supported by the EU has taken a major step towards agreement of a global standard for digital data exchange, opening the way for increased use of new e-Navigation solutions.

The IALA (International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities) Committee on e-Navigation has just agreed on a proposed guideline for specifications of digital data exchange. The guideline has been developed in DMA’s EfficienSea2 project.

The new guideline will provide a common language on how to deliver digital data services and make it possible to use the same digital data stream across equipment and regions.

“That may increase the use of modern navigation solutions and make it easier for small and medium-sized companies with the right ideas to operate globally,” says Thomas Christensen, DMA’s representative on the IALA Committee on e-Navigation: “E-Navigation is about increasing safety at sea through the best possible use of digital solutions. Standardized specifications for digital solutions make it easier and cheaper to develop a solution for Danish waters and make it useful around the world.”

The proposed guideline is expected to be finally adopted by the IALA Council in December 2017.

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