IHI is proud to announce a major step forward in advancing the social implementation of VDES^*1, a cutting-edge communication system designed to revolutionize maritime safety and efficiency. In pursuit of this vision, IHI has launched joint research with the Shibasaki Laboratory (Department of Systems Innovation), Graduate School of Engineering, the University of Tokyo. This partnership will quantitatively evaluate the economic value and environmental benefits of VDES adoption in maritime operations. To further foster innovation and knowledge exchange, IHI has established the "VDES Research Group" – a platform for collaboration and dialogue among research institutions interested in VDES technology. The group will comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of VDES social implementation and promote broad-based research partnerships.

VDES is an advanced system that builds upon the widely adopted AIS^*2 technology, enabling two-way communication networks for vessels and maritime stakeholders. By utilizing satellites, VDES empowers safe, secure, and seamless global maritime cooperation.

The introduction of VDES is expected to transform a broad spectrum of maritime activities: enhancing safety at sea, streamlining port operations, and boosting the efficiency of shipping logistics. These improvements will drive increased cargo throughput, reduce costs, and deliver significant economic impacts. In addition, the sharing of route information among vessels will support the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and strengthen regulatory compliance, contributing to a more sustainable maritime industry.

In this joint research, we will collect and analyze existing operational data—such as vessel speed and routes—as well as cargo data. We will use these data to quantitatively evaluate the potential economic and environmental benefits of implementing VDES. This study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of VDES introduction.

With the revision of the SOLAS Convention (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) scheduled for January 2028, VDES is set to become a statutory device for ships alongside AIS, and efforts to promote its widespread adoption are already underway in various countries. IHI is currently promoting technology demonstrations of VDES under the Key and Advanced Technology R&D through Cross Community Collaboration Program^*3 and continues to lead as the organizer of the Satellite VDES Consortium^*4. Through these initiatives, and with the launch of the new research group, we will further deepen collaboration among industry, academia, and government, accelerating the social implementation of VDES in partnerships with leading domestic research institutions.

The IHI Group remains committed to realizing a safer and more secure society by deploying satellite constellations and VDES, harnessing diverse information from land, sea, air, and space to unlock new possibilities and value for the future.

[ About the Shibasaki Laboratory, the University of Tokyo ]
The Shibasaki Laboratory (Department of Systems Innovation and Department of Technology Management for Innovation), Graduate School of Engineering, the University of Tokyo, possesses advanced expertise in international logistics and maritime transport. The laboratory has an extensive research track record in logistics estimation and model construction utilizing vessel movement data such as AIS and conducts cutting-edge research in these fields.

*1 VDES (VHF Data Exchange System)
VDES, known as the next-generation AIS, is a maritime communication system utilizing the VHF frequency band, aiming to build a two-way digital communication network among vessels, ground stations, and satellites. In 2019, the VHF frequency band capable of satellite transmission and reception was allocated, and demonstration tests using VDES satellites are currently underway worldwide. In Japan, technology demonstrations of VDES systems, including terrestrial components, have begun under the " Key and Advanced Technology R&D through Cross Community Collaboration Program (K Program) ^*3."

*2 AIS (Automatic Identification System)
AIS is an automatic identification system for vessels. Since 2002, IMO has mandated its installation on vessels above a certain size. Vessels automatically send and receive identification numbers, positions, speeds, and courses by radio waves, and AIS is used to monitor the movements of nearby vessels and avoid collisions.

*3 Key and Advanced Technology R&D through Cross Community Collaboration Program (K Program)
A program promoted under the Economic Security Promotion Council and the Integrated Innovation Strategy Promotion Council, in which the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) take the lead in advancing cross-ministerial research and development of advanced technologies important for economic security.

*4 Satellite VDES Consortium
Ocean-space collaboration for maritime safety and security Seven companies and OPRI launch the Satellite VDES Consortium in Japan | 2022FY | News Articles | IHI Corporation

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