Maritime Digitisation: Sternula partners with Scandin-Africa Group to advance the adoption of AIS 2.0 in Africa
In an era where maritime connectivity is essential for safe and efficient operations at sea, Sternula, a private Danish New Space company, is at the forefront of innovation. Providing secure global satellite connectivity to maritime authorities, shipowners, coastguards and industry services, Sternula is redefining standards with its AIS 2.0, also known as the VHF Data Exchange System (VDES).
The start-up is set to connect more than 500,000 ships by 2030, creating the world’s largest maritime telecommunications network.
AIS 2.0: a new era in maritime communication
AIS 2.0 dramatically expands the capabilities of legacy AIS technology by introducing new data channels, paving the way for an unprecedented range of digital maritime services. This revolutionary technology removes the need for proprietary satellite antennas and terminals, enabling vessels of all sizes, from the small fisherman in Madagascar to the largest container ships in the world, to access the same digital services.
Based in Aalborg, Denmark, Sternula is building a constellation of 60 CubeSats in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to provide comprehensive global coverage. The company plans to send four more satellites in 2024, followed by 16 more in 2026 and the final 40 in 2028, completing its full deployment.
Sternula-1: a historic first
On 3 January 2023, Sternula launched its first satellite, Sternula-1, becoming the world’s first commercial provider of affordable, secure and global maritime connectivity using the new AIS 2.0 standard. This landmark achievement positions Sternula as a key player in the digital transformation of the maritime sector.
Work is underway within IALA, ITU, IMO, VDES Alliance, RTCM and IEC to integrate AIS 2.0 as the global standard for ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore and ship-to-port data transfer.
AIS 2.0 will be the catalyst for the implementation of IMO’s e-Navigation strategy, enabling the reliable transmission of AIS data and digital signatures.
Route optimisation, environmental monitoring and much more
AIS 2.0 will enable ships to optimise their routes and improve their port arrival accuracy, contributing to safer and more efficient navigation. In addition, AIS 2.0 will be used to monitor greenhouse gas emissions (CII data) and create geo-fences to protect sensitive marine ecosystems. Sternula is thus in a position to offer innovative green solutions to combat climate change.
Sternula and Scandin-Africa Group: a strategic partnership for Africa
Sternula is proud to announce its collaboration with Madeleine Taylor Mendy, founder of Scandin-Africa Group, to promote the adoption of VDES (AIS 2.0) in Africa.
Scandin-Africa Group is a leading international business group focused on facilitating Scandinavian investment in Africa. This partnership will enable Sternula to extend its reach on the African continent and contribute to the modernisation of the African maritime sector.
