The Maritime Connectivity Platform takes a big leap forward
A new non-profit consortium Navelink has been formed, one of the main objectives of which will be to establish an operational instance of the Maritime Connectivity Platform (MCP). Behind the new consortium are some of the big players in the field of marine electronics and digital services; Kongsberg, Saab and Wärtsilä, with Combitech having been assigned to run the actual MCP instance on Trident Sea Connects behalf.
Background
In early 2019 the Maritime Connectivity Platform Consortium (MCC) was formed. The role of the MCC is to govern the concept and standards relating to the MCP. The MCC does not aim to run an operational instance of the MCP –rather it defines the criteria that should be followed to allow other organisations to do so.
The Korean government (Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries) was the first organisation to commit to running an operational MCP. Now, with the advent of Navelink, we have the second organisation committing to doing so. This dramatically increases the momentum of the realization of the MCP concept!
It is the ambition to have both instances up and running during 2020. Since 29 February 2020, it has been possible to enroll to the Navelink instance.
The Maritime Connectivity Platform, MCP
The MCP is a framework for enabling efficient, secure, reliable and seamless electronic information exchange between all authorized maritime stakeholders across available communication systems.
The MCP has been created to enable maritime actors to use digital services to exchange public as well as private information. Potential commercial and non-commercial institutions can become part of the global MCP framework using their own installations of the MCP.
The MCP brings common internet standards to maritime navigation and transportation systems by applying open and vendor-neutral technologies.
Thomas Christensen, Secretary General of the Maritime Connectivity Platform Consortium, www.maritimeconnectivity.net
Anders Wendel Head of Navelink www.navelink.org