New Kongsberg AIS system
Kongsberg Maritime subsidiary, Kongsberg Seatex has launched a new generation of Blue Force Automatic Identification System (AIS) – the AIS 300BF.
The new unit supersedes the current AIS 200BF, offers more secure mode abilities alongside unique AIS receiver sensitivity and robustness – refinements made possible by Kongsberg Seatex’s involvement in a number of pioneering AIS space projects.
It’s tailor-made for vessels undertaking demanding coast guard, anti-piracy, navy and boarder police operations.
“This is an important step forward in the evolution of our BF AIS offering,” said Arne Rinnan, CTO, Kongsberg Seatex. “Kongsberg Seatex has been developing these units with proven success since 2002/03, when the USCG installed our first generation AIS BF, AIS 110BF, on its vessels as part of the Hawkeye project. The AIS 300BF marks the zenith of our achievements.”
He added that the unit is simple to install and maintain, on any vessel regardless of type or size and the Class A mobile station allows ‘friendly forces’ to identify vessels, while restricting the transmission of their own AIS information. However, this data can be freely transmitted between Blue Force vessels in encrypted format, with the unit decrypting incoming information to facilitate effective multi-vessel communication and collaboration.
Kongsberg Seatex’s experience developing an AIS receiver for use in space – first launched upon the Norwegian AIS satellite AISSat-1 in July 2010 and currently in use in the International Space Station – laid the foundation for the firm to enhance the receiver technology in this, its latest BF unit.
Anti-piracy operations provide a typical scenario where the AIS 300BF can excel. With units placed for example on large military vessels and smaller combat craft, AIS 300BF can keep track of, and help coordinate, through encrypted data exchange, multiple ‘friendly’ craft, such as RIBs, as they tackle the situation. In addition, portable units can be used in convoy operations to enable encrypted communication between navy vessels and participating merchant ships.
The AIS 300 BF is a ‘black box’ system, with the standard AIS raw data format channeled for display through a typical ECDIS or RADAR, without the need for special modifications.
Visit Kongsberg Maritime on stand D3 at this year’s Seawork International.
