At Lloyd’s List Intelligence, innovation isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a promise. For decades, we’ve helped maritime professionals track, analyse, and act on the movements of the global fleet with confidence. Now, we’re proud to take that commitment even further by joining the VDES Alliance — a pioneering effort to reshape the way vessels connect and communicate across the globe.
This move marks a significant step toward the future of ship tracking. One where real-time, reliable, and data-rich communication isn’t just expected — it’s guaranteed.
🛰 What Is VDES, and Why Should You Care?
VDES (VHF Data Exchange System) is the natural evolution of AIS. While AIS revolutionised ship tracking by enabling automatic broadcasts of vessel identity, position, and movement, the system is now showing its age.
With thousands of vessels broadcasting simultaneously, AIS is experiencing serious congestion, especially in high-traffic regions. Signals get dropped. Data becomes patchy. Decisions get delayed.
Enter VDES.
VDES extends AIS by creating a high-capacity, secure, and globally connected data exchange system, enabling seamless communication between ships, ports, and satellites — even in remote or polar areas.
But it’s more than just a communications upgrade. It’s a full-scale transformation that will:
And it’s not just a “nice to have.” The IMO is already drafting text to incorporate VDES into future SOLAS regulations, meaning this will become a critical compliance tool in the coming years.
Why We’re Joining the VDES Alliance
By becoming a member of the VDES Alliance, we’re not just staying ahead of the curve — we’re helping shape it. Our participation ensures we play an active role in the development, standardisation, and integration of VDES into the maritime ecosystem.
This move supports our broader vision: to provide clients with the most advanced, intelligent ship tracking platform available — and to future-proof maritime operations around the world.
What This Means for You — and for AIS SeaOrbis
AIS SeaOrbis is our next-generation maritime intelligence solution — built from the ground up to ingest, analyse, and deliver data that empowers confident decision-making at sea and onshore.
With VDES capabilities emerging over the horizon, we're actively engaging with industry partners to explore what’s next. Looking ahead, we aim to deliver:
As the VDES ecosystem develops, AIS SeaOrbis will evolve to meet the opportunities it brings. You can expect unmatched visibility and control over vessel movements, risk management, and cargo flows — all backed by our decades of trusted expertise.
Ready to Navigate the Future?
Maritime operations are becoming more connected, more data-driven, and more complex than ever. At Lloyd’s List Intelligence, we’re committed to giving you the tools to keep pace — and get ahead.
AIS SeaOrbis isn’t just built for what’s now — it’s built for what’s next.
Build into the future. Build into AIS SeaOrbis — the future of maritime intelligence.
https://www.lloydslistintelligence.com/about-us/data-and-analytics/ais-seaorbis
