AAC Clyde Space has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate with ORBCOMM and Saab to develop the next generation of global maritime communication services based on a VHF Data Exchange System (VDES).

The parties, collaborating under a new brand named AOS, aim both for services directed to end customers as well as for safety of navigation services. The goal of the consortium is to create a global maritime communication network enabling ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication everywhere on the globe.

The cooperation shall include both terrestrial and space-based demonstrations of selected applications, to help fine tune the joint VDES efforts.

“I look forward to extending our cooperation with Saab and ORBCOMM to realise our vision of creating the first dedicated maritime communication system, enabling great improvements for seafarers and their loved ones, the shipping industry as well as our planet,” said AAC Clyde Space CEO Luis Gomes.

Greg Flessate, ORBCOMM’s SVP & GM, Government and AIS stated: “ORBCOMM is excited about further progressing our 20-plus year heritage and expertise in space-based maritime VHF communications. This is a natural evolution for ORBCOMM, from pioneering satellite AIS and now leading the way with two world-class organisations such as AAC Clyde Space and SAAB into space-based VDES. We especially look forward to working with our solutions partners in our long-established maritime information ecosystem to develop value-driven commercial and government applications and use cases for VDES.”

Long term, the parties intend to create a global VDES communication network with low latency and a high, two-way bandwidth for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication everywhere on the globe.