EX-TREme High-speed data services in coastal and port zones

The aim of the eX-TREme project, officially recognised in January 2006, was to provide a data service platform for the maritime world by focusing on ships in coastal areas and, particularly, in harbour approach zones.

The data services implemented to improve communication between users were the current voice/video/messaging/portal provided by the project partners. These solutions were integrated into an onshore data services platform adapted to the needs of users. The eX-TREME platform is an innovative concept promoting the latest communication, network and information technologies available. The functional components of this platform communicate using XML-based protocols, ensuring that the functionalities implemented have a greater capacity to evolve.
The possibility of connecting the data service platform developed to existing satellite services was also examined, as were solutions for roaming between the technologies.
Propagation issues in the maritime environment were resolved: the final test mission, Gwen Drez, validated high-speed voice and video streaming at over 30 nautical miles. Trials demonstrated that effective stabilizing of the antenna was required to enable high-speed communication in coastal and port zones. In addition, following identification by the market study of the real potential of telecommunications at sea, emphasis was placed on the need to create a terminal devoted to the maritime environment and incoporating antenna stabilization. The expertise acquired in the field of maritime radio represents a real investment which will be exploited and deployed in future initiatives such as the ImaginLab platform.