Long term validation of PNT-Unit processing channels onboard a ferry vessel

Abstract

Resilient provision of ships own position, navigation and timing (PNT) data has been recognized as a core element for safe and efficient vessel navigation. The DLR is proposing the PNT-Unit concept, where all available navigation sensors are used in a combined way. Based on this concept a real time capable prototype of such a system has been developed. The validation of the system with was however restricted to measurement campaigns with a duration of a few hours. In order to overcome this, we have installed the PNT-Unit prototype on the Stena Line ferry vessel Mecklenburg-Vorpommern which is regularly plying between Rostock and Trelleborg. This paper gives a first overview of the validation results of GNSS based processing channels during a 10 days’ time period in March 2015. This period includes some days, where significant ionospheric perturbations have been recognized.