NIMASA Partners with Sternula for Enhanced VHF Data Exchange System
In a significant development, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has formalized a collaboration with Sternula Denmark to implement a comprehensive Very High Frequency (VHF) Data Exchange System (VDES). This memorandum of understanding (MoU) signals a crucial step towards bolstering communication capabilities between vessels and land in Nigeria.
Dr. Bashir Jamoh, Director General of NIMASA, emphasized the importance of this international partnership in bolstering safety and security within Nigerian waters while concurrently enhancing the efficiency of seafaring operations. Jamoh hailed the agreement as a significant boost to NIMASA’s ongoing digitalization initiatives, highlighting its potential to provide alternative communication channels for vessels in alignment with regulations set forth by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA).
He underscored the critical role of timely and quality information in fostering a thriving maritime transport sector, particularly amidst the evolving landscape of the Blue Economy. Digitalization, Jamoh noted, offers manifold benefits including expedited access to information, enhanced customer experiences, heightened productivity, cost savings, and improved decision-making capabilities.
Furthermore, Jamoh elucidated on the regulatory frameworks set by the IMO and technical solutions developed by IALA to facilitate seamless digital communication within the maritime industry.
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The MoU, signed by Jacob Weibrent of Sternula and witnessed by Danish Consul General to Nigeria, Jette Bjerrum, aims to establish VHF Data Exchange System connectivity via Sternula’s fleet of micro-satellites. This strategic initiative endeavors to position NIMASA as Africa’s foremost Maritime Administration by fostering uninterrupted communication between shores and ships, thereby elevating the safety standards of maritime operations.
Sternula-1, equipped with AIS 2.0 technology, represents a pioneering solution in realizing the global e-Navigation strategy. AIS 2.0, an enhancement to the Automatic Identification System (AIS), enables two-way data transmission over VHF frequencies, effectively enabling global communication for vessels equipped with VHF antennas.
