Maritime Connectivity Platform

A decentralised platform facilitating secure and reliable information exchange
within the maritime domain and beyond

NEWS

Maritime Messaging Service (MMS) Demo 2024; A Leap Forward in Secure Martime Connectivity

The maritime industry witnessed a groundbreaking event as the MCP Consortium demonstrated the latest advancements in Maritime Messaging Service (MMS) technology. During the session of the IALA DTEC 2, MMS demonstration highlighted the system’s enhanced security and efficiency in maritime connectivity.

The demonstration focused on MMS’s core functionalities, including securing S-100 data exchange and authentication over both IP and non-IP channels like VDES. It also showcased the system’s ability to support encryption, efficient message bundling, and advanced store & forward capabilities.

Key contributors to the event included Thomas Christensen and Oliver Haagh from DMC, along with Dongwoo Kang from KRISO, Stefan Pielmeier from Sternula, and Jin Park from AIVeNautics. The team demonstrated the practical applications of MMS in improving navigation equipment, file transfer capabilities, and secure connectivity through SECOM, all while leveraging the VDES system for wider service access.

The 2024 MCP demonstration in DTEC2 set a new benchmark in maritime connectivity, promising a safer and more connected future for the maritime industry safety and connectivity.

Maritime Messaging Service (MMS) DEMO 2024

MCP consortium strengthened with new host members

Since the establishment of the consortium in 2019, the MCP has undergone a significant maturation. This is now reflected in the composition of the host members of the consortium – where most of the original members were research organisations – these are now stepping down to take roles as regular members – and new more operational /governmental organisations are stepping in as new host members.

Specifically Fintraffic VTS and Australian Maritime Safety Authority have already signed as new host members, and the Canadian Coast Guard is in the process of becoming new host member. In this process the old host members, the German Airspace Center, the University of Copehagen and RISE Research Institute of Sweden will be taking a step down and becoming regular members – however equally committed to the further development of and realisation of the MCP.

The MCP

The MCP is a decentralised platform that facilitates secure and reliable information exchange within the maritime domain and beyond. Beyond – because the maritime world isn’t isolated, but need to exchange information with other domain – for instance with other transport domains.

The information exchanged can be almost of any nature, ranging from private confidential information between a vessel and the shore office of the shipowner, to public information provided by authorities, such as the provision of navigational warnings.

As a decentralised platform, there is no single entity operating this. Several organisations are MCP service providers, and collectively they form “the Maritime Connectivity Platform”.

The MCC serves two overall purposes:

– Defining the MCP and criteria for being an MCP service provider

– Endorsing organisations to be MCP service providers