The innovation centrepiece of EfficienSea2 has been the Maritime Connectivity Platform (MCP), which was previously known as the Maritime Cloud. MCP is a novel communication framework that enables efficient, secure and reliable information exchange in and around the maritime sector.
MCP connects all maritime stakeholders with maritime information services of all kinds. The novel framework will enable interoperability and transition between existing and future communication and information systems. With MCP:
MCP has three core components:
An identity registry: For secure and reliable identity management, it is the equivalent of a Central Person Registry or a Central Business Registry. It contains relevant information for authorised stakeholders, enabling verification of authenticity, integrity and confidentiality in information transfer processes. It provides a single login to all services.
A service registry: For registering, discovering and using all relevant e-Navigation and e-Maritime services, commercial and non-commercial, authorised and non-authorised, for free and against payment. It can be seen as a sophisticated yellow pages phone book or the equivalent of an App Store on iPhone and Google Play for Android.
A messaging service: An information broker that intelligently exchanges information between communication systems connected to the platform, taking into account the current geographical position and communication links available to the recipient.
MCP acts as a secure VPN line connecting maritime stakeholders and allowing them to share data with each other and with the ship on the basis of the identities chosen. The common framework can truly revolutionise the way data is being shared in and around the maritime domain – it may catalyse the field into the digital age of big data and has the potential of breaking ground by enabling the maritime internet of things.
MCP has been a proposed solution to the IMO e-Navigation concept and has the potential of becoming vital in implementing and accelerating the EU e-Maritime initiative. For further technical details about MCP, please use the links below.
EfficienSea2 has provided a working prototype of the communication framework with operational functions such as a single login for all services, identity management and discovery of maritime services. Elements of MCP has been made operational in the Baltic Sea and Arctic waters.
To solve the challenge of weak connectivity and high-cost communication on ships, EfficienSea2 develops concepts for cost-effective and seamless roaming between communication channels, effective and secure onboard networks, as well as the new communication channel called VDES, which is short for VHF Data Exchange System.
To reduce the risk of accidents, increase the efficiency of the transport chain and reduce the administrative burdens and environmental impact, EfficienSea2 provides a new generation of standardised end-user services based on contemporary technology. We have identified, developed, matured, tested and where possible standardised and implemented more than 15 end-user services for smart navigation and administration. Some services are reinventions of decades-old tools, while others are groundbreaking services that are new to the market.
To make services available to the end user in an easy and smart manner, EfficienSea2 has developed intuitive web-based platforms focusing on the Arctic and Baltic areas, namely ArcticWeb and BalticWeb. As the platforms are independent from onboard equipment, all you need to get access to the services available is a computer and an internet connection and – for some services – a login to the MCP. For the long-term roll-out, services will also be prototyped and tested in commercial onboard and shore equipment.
If you want to know more about Maritime Connectivity Platform, please contact:
