Resilient PNT: From PNT-Unit concept to first realization

Abstract

Resilient determination of position, navigation and time (PNT) data of the vessel has been recognized as one core element of IMO’s e-Navigation strategy. As an associated member of the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA), the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is proposing the introduction of a shipside PNT Module as part of a future Integrated Navigation System (INS). The core of the ship side PNT Module is a sensor fusion based processing system (PNT Unit) using available radio navigation systems and services in combination with on-board sensors for PNT data generation. A focus of the PNT Unit is provision of integrity information for all PNT data in accordance with changing performance requirements during berth to berth navigation. Within the Maritime Traffic Engineering project the development of a first prototype of such a PNT Unit has been started in order to demonstrate the feasibility of such a PNT Unit. This paper will shortly introduce the basic concept of the PNT Module. The focus here will lie on the discussion on open regulatory aspects which have been raised during the prototype development. Secondly the results of a first realization of a PNT Unit will be presented. In the last part an overview of our latest developments of the shore based services at the Research Port Rostock will be given.