Japan to launch advanced satellite-based maritime communication system

Japan is preparing its advanced maritime digital communication system, which is set to be powered by multiple satellites.

The improvement is expected to further enhance its vessel-detection system, especially for identifying suspicious ships off the country’s waters, according to Tokyo’s The Yomiuri Shimbun.

It was reported that they will invest JPY14.7 billion ($95,59 million) for the practical implementation by 2029.

This year, Japan introduced two satellites to evaluate sea communications.

Improving vessel detection

While data from the Automatic Identification System (AIS) is also currently in use, there are suspicious ships that bypass the system by hiding their true locations.

Japan seeks to implement a VHF Data Exchange System (VDES), which is an enhanced version of the current AIS.

The VDES will provide bidirectional digital data exchange, a two-way exchange of two or more systems, with all systems allowed to send and receive data.

The East Asian country has been using artificial intelligence to help detect ships and evaluate images from satellites.

With the new communication system, it is expected to provide highly accurate locations of ships. This includes making it technically challenging for suspicious vessels and illegal fishing boats to stay hidden from detectors.

Moreover, several satellites to be implemented in the project reportedly have a larger reach in comparison with cellular and radio signals.

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Maritime incidents off Japanese waters

According to the Japan Coast Guard, more than 7,000 maritime crimes happen in the country’s water territories. Among the crimes are illegal fishing, illegal immigration, smuggling, and littering. Around 1,800 vessel accidents also happen in Japanese ports each year.

There were also recent incidents of Chinese ships sailing on and around Japanese waters, especially around the disputed islands of Senkaku.

A two-way communication through VDES is anticipated to prevent these incidents and improve their emergency responses.

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