The main objective of the present project is to demonstrate the operational performance of the transmission of SBAS corrections via IALA beacons and Inland waterways domain, while providing a detailed cost benefit analysis of the solutions proposed. This hybrid service complements the current GNSS Augmentation services exploiting synergies and benefiting from the current infrastructure and standards, which facilitates the adoption by maritime and inland waterways authorities.

EGNOS is the European satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS) for GPS. Since 2009 it has been providing benefits in different maritime applications such as general navigation, especially in terms of increased accuracy.

In particular, the project will support Maritime and IWW service providers on implementing and testing the transmission of EGNOS-based differential corrections via IALA beacons and AIS/VDES stations, through the execution of (up to 4) pilot demos.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The use of SBAS corrections for navigation, in both coastal waters and inland waterways, has already brought the attention of many European authorities, which are interested in its potential to complement their DGPS radio beacon networks.

This project will allow the maritime and IWW service providers to have a clear understanding about the technical, operational and economic feasibility of the transmission of EGNOS corrections via IALA beacons and AIS/VDES.

The Key drivers of this project include

• Close involvement of the maritime and IWW authorities. Guidance and expert counselling from maritime and IWW authorities is expected to support the definition of test definition. An Advisory Boards formed by experts proposed by these authorities will be constituted for this specific purpose. Maritime and IWW authorities are also encourage to host a pilot and to participate in Working Groups, in charge of the deployment and execution of pilots.
• Practical implementation of the EGNOS service provision schemes, which shall support the maritime and IWW authorities, as well as the GSA, in verification of technical, economical and operational feasibility. With this aim, up to 4 pilot projects will deploy the technology on different sites and countries enabling a 6-months test campaigns per pilot.

The project development will follow a two-steps approach:

• A first phase focuses on the establishment of the advisory board and working groups and a preliminary assessment of the technical, operational, and economical feasibility analysis of the different service provision schemes.
• A second phase aims at the deployment of the preferred service provision schemes and the execution of a long term (6-months) campaign. This phase will finalize with a detailed operational performance assessment and detailed Cost Benefit and Liability Analysis.

In case that feasibility is confirmed, the project will constitute a Success Case where the preferred service provision schemes are implemented in long-term real scenarios and validated from technical, operational an economic points of view. The project will act as catalyst for the implementation in different sites and countries following IALA guidelines.