Executing the voyage in IP1

The most significant change in the first IP regarding the Voyage Execution is the introduction of the Route Exchange format. This is the key enabler, which lays the foundation to most of the concepts and services in STM. The fact that the REXF was developed already in the definition phase of STM-project, the industry has adopted the standard, and also taken it to the standardisation level. By standardisation of REXF in the IEC 61174 ed 4 most of the ships will be provided with this capability during IP1, also opening up for a series of new capabilities and benefits in the voyage execution. The VTS and SRS are introduced to a whole new set of tools, enabling them to enhance several of their existing services such as monitoring and providing guidance to the seafarers. In some areas manual ship reporting will be complemented with the exchange of the route information, saving time and efforts onboard and on shore.

Still the foremost benefit will be the increased situational awareness in the actual navigation at sea, where incidents and accidents will be avoided by sharing each other’s intentions through the route exchange functionality.

Executing the voyage in IP2

With the support of SeaSwim the route can now be exchanged, not only to actors in the vicinity of the ship, but also in its complete, port-to-port format. This also gives forewarning to areas long before, that a ship is planned to pass.

Now that the route exchange have become a well-accepted navigational aid, there will be possible for shore-based actors also to advice corrections and better routes based on local knowledge. VTS and SRS can suggest corrective actions to a passing ship, but there will also be third party service providers, servicing ships with shore based navigational assistance.

SeaSwim, enabling automated ship reporting, significantly  reduces the administrative burden.

The provision, of routes well in advance, will create the possibility of dynamic separation of traffic, which will increase safety as well as save fuel by the use of more efficient routes.

 Executing the voyage in IP3

At the same time, the area managers have received a more organising role, providing suggestions and even instructions to ships in some waters. The possibility of actively managing maritime traffic is there.

Practically all ship-reporting is now replaced with the requestors subscribing for the required information in SeaSwim. 

Dynamic traffic separation is being used in more areas around the world, making the routes more efficient.