Improving and Assessing the Impact of e-Navigation applications

Abstract

The scope of this paper is implementation issues of the e-Navigation concept of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). IMO has adopted the e-Navigation strategic implementation plan (SIP) in 2014. This plan, i.a., bases on estimating the effect of e-Navigation applications on reducing navigational accidents, including collisions and groundings of ships falling under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) by approximately 65 per cent. However, IMO Member States are responsible for safety of navigation and efficient vessel traffic at international but also on national levels. Regarding the introduction of new concepts and innovative systems into vessel traffic there is a need to comprehensively assess potential effects not only for SOLAS ships but also for non-SOLAS ships. This paper aims at a more comprehensive and theoretically sounded estimation of e-Navigation potentials by investigating and applying IMO's methodology for quantification of those effects also to the implementation of e-Navigation solutions to ships not falling under the SOLAS convention (non-SOLAS ships). The authors carried out a case study using the SMART-Navigation concept of Korea as model case for impact assessment. For the mentioned purpose, this paper identifies main tool kits of IMO e-Navigation, proposes and applies a set of formulas to comprehensively assess and quantify effects of new functions or services based on IMO's methodological approaches. From gained results authors suggest investigations not only taking into account expert opinions but also simulation trials to identify factors and coefficients for thorough calculations. From the results the authors conclude and recommend to extend the impact assessment of e-Navigation also to vessel traffic involving non-SOLAS ships as a general and global recommendation to coastal states. Further, results are provided as a potential model case for IMO Member States' reference for their state-specific individual situation and conditions.