SEASOLAS
EGNOS V3 Maritime Safety Service
Background & Objectives
Satellite Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS), such as EGNOS, are used for maritime applications due to their enhanced navigation and positioning capabilities. However, maritime regulated segments lack mature standards and regulations to define how Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) vessels should process SBAS signals for integrity purposes.
SEASOLAS project analysed the benefits of a potential EGNOS V3 (based Dual Frequency Multi-constellation (DFMC)) Maritime Safety service to provide user level integrity for the maritime community.
Work performed & results
The study identified three scenarios which would benefit from the provision of an EGNOS V3 based Maritime Safety Service: port navigation, inland waterways and restricted waters (Traffic Separation Schemes).
The user requirements for each scenario were identified based on International Maritime Organization standards, which are globally recognised by the maritime community. SEASOLAS also identified a set of target performance levels that could be used to explore whether the technology could fulfil more stringent requirements than those required by regulation.
Based on the requirements of the scenarios, three technical solutions were analysed:
- DFMC SBAS enhanced with Fault Detection/ Fault Detection and Exclusion (FD/FDE)
- DFMC SBAS enhanced with autonomous integrity
- DFMC SBAS enhanced with advanced Position Velocity Timing (PVT) and autonomous integrity
A preliminary assessment of achievable performance and a cost-benefit analysis showed that the technical solutions can meet the scenarios' requirements at an affordable price for maritime users; however, critical activities must be carried out to consolidate and ensure the readiness of the EGNOS V3 Maritime Safety Service.
SEASOLAS MARITIME SAFETY SERVICE Final Report
Expected impact
The SEASOLAS project proposed three technical solutions based on DFMC SBAS that are suitable for demanding maritime scenarios and operational phases. The expected performance levels of these solutions are affordable and in proportion to the achievable benefits. The proposed integrity concept is based on protection levels adjustable to the local environment. It would raise an alarm to the crew if safety levels were breached.
SEASOLAS solutions would allow the achievement of broad maritime stakeholder support for use of EGNOS DFMC capabilities.
Disclaimer: The project results represent the views of the consortium. They do not necessarily represent the views of the European Commission and they do not commit the Commission to implementing the results.
