AIS DATA FOR SALE

[proud_ionian]

UK TO SET UP AIS SHORE STATIONS AND SELL DATA

THE UK is to use its planned £2.7m network of Automatic Identification System (AIS) shore stations to build up a comprehensive database of shipping movements around the country’s coast and to sell some of the information gathered. UK Shipping Minister Stephen Ladyman has set out a strategy to “make the most from the technology offered by to underpin electronic navigation and facilitate a safer, modern shipping industry”.

His department has detailed the areas where it believes “AIS technology could bring significant benefits beyond its primary function of monitoring ship movements, and how the data it provides could open some commercial revenue opportunities to offset its own running costs”.

Mr Ladyman said: "We need to take full advantage of the opportunities afforded by Automated Identification technology. AIS is an essential step towards e-navigation and as a result, will be a significant contributor towards our shared goal of safer and cleaner shipping not just around the UK, but across the globe. The strategy I am announcing today will help to put in place a UK-wide network, both on shore and at sea, that will maximize the full potential of AIS by 2010.”

Mr Ladyman believes that AIS technology will form a key building block in an 'e-navigation' system of the future - an internationally integrated, electronic navigational aid that could transform the shipping industry and provide a safer and cleaner marine environment across the world.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is responsible for establishing the coastal ground-station infrastructure; whilst the three General Lighthouse Authorities (GLAs) have been researching how AIS can be adopted as a safe and efficient virtual aid to navigation (AtoN). In a new agreement the MCA and the three GLAs the MCA has lead responsibility for the development and adoption of AIS, but “recognises the important contribution to be made by the GLAs' own AIS capability and the GLA responsibility for AtoN”.

source: MGN