Orbcomm Awarded Contract to Provide AIS Data to EMSA
By Jeffrey Hill | June 25, 2012
[Satellite TODAY 06-25-12] Orbcomm has agreed to a multi-year framework contract with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) to provide satellite Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, the company announced June 22.
The framework contract covers up to 500,000 euros ($625,000) for the first year, with options for an additional two years at a cost yet to be determined. Orbcomm reached the deal through its partner, LuxSpace Sarl, an affiliate of OHB System.
EMSA will use the AIS data for ship tracking and other maritime navigational and safety efforts in designated regions and for specific maritime projects.
Orbcomm also announced it is actively participating in a number of other AIS demonstrations and tests, including a Naval exercise conducted by 22 Pacific Rim nations in the Pacific Ocean starting at the end of June. The 18 additional AIS-enabled satellites that will complete Orbcomm’s next generation constellation are scheduled to begin launching later this year.