ESA and AAC Clyde Space set sail on project to enhance maritime capabilities from space

The European Space Agency (ESA) and UK-based New Space company AAC Clyde Space have formed a partnership to drive space-enabled capabilities to support maritime operations across the globe. Worth €0.85 million, the first phase of the project – known as INFLECION – will focus on defining user needs and requirements and is scheduled to be completed by the close of 2025.

Co-funded by the UK Space Agency through ESA’s Advanced Research in Telecommunication Systems (ARTES) Partnership Project programme within ESA’s Connectivity and Secure Communications, INFLECION – which is worth a proposed total of €30 million – will address the key challenges facing maritime domain awareness. The project is currently planned to be operational in 2028, and will work to enhance safety, efficiency, compliance and sustainability for global maritime stakeholders.

INFLECION is being built to provide real-time insights for vessels, shipping companies, insurers, environmental agencies, and coastal authorities, boosting efficiency, reducing emissions, and combatting illegal activities. The project will develop and leverage VHF Data Exchange System (VDES), Signal Intelligence (SIGINT), and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technologies.

Maritime routes are becoming increasingly congested due to supply-chain disruptions, shifting trade patterns, and geopolitical tensions. With these challenges comes opportunity for satellite communications to support and enhance maritime operations from orbit.

AAC Clyde Space lead a consortium of UK organisations, including AST Marine, Bright Ascension, Craft Prospect, Heriot Watt University, Horizon Technologies, ICEYE UK, Omanos Analytics, Nash Maritime, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Saab UK, and University of Strathclyde.

In addition to supporting customers, the project also algins internationally through the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) e-Navigation strategy. This strategy works to meet current and future user needs of shipping, providing harmonised marine navigation systems as well as supporting shore services, to ensure safer and more efficient navigation.

“Shipping is a critical part of our global economy, responsible for around 90% of world trade. ESA is proud to be supporting and driving the use of satellite communications in the maritime sector, showcasing the vital role such technologies are continuing to play in enabling growth and providing safety for stakeholders across the sector,” said Laurent Jaffart, ESA’s Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications. “Our partnership with AAC Clyde and its consortium also takes the protection of marine environments into consideration.”

“INFLECION is a key step in AAC Clyde Space’s strategy to grow space data as a service,” says Luis Gomes, CEO of AAC Clyde Space. “With this project, we are using space technology to tackle real challenges in the maritime industry. Together with our partners, we are setting a new standard for safety, efficiency, and sustainability at sea.”

“The technological brilliance of INFLECION is its integration of VDES, SIGINT, and SAR technologies. They offer powerful tools for addressing challenges in global shipping and coastal monitoring. This innovative system will help improve safety, detect illegal activities, and protect critical marine ecosystems,” says Andrew Carrel, President of Data and Services at AAC Clyde Space.