3
Definition and Distinction of E-Navigation
For quite a period, E-navigation was used as a buzzword with a rather vague delimination on what the term really meant. First, it was little bit more than a pure notion, and by the time only, filled with substance, which then eventually was poured into a mold by the IMO and its subcommittees, further supported by industry representative workgroups.
By the time, a common understanding of the scope of E-navigation emerged, what were the needs to be addressed, what kind of solutions were aspired by it, what technical facilities are required, and what are the options to make navigation safer through E-navigation. Over the last couple of years expedited by the COVID-19 pandemic the maritime sector, otherwise known to be a conservative industry, has experienced a valuable lesson on the urgency of digitalisation and its effectiveness. This is supported by the book ‘Maritime Informatics’ written by Mikael Lind (2020) [1] who describes the potential for ‘Maritime Informatics’ to enhance the shipping industry, and examines how decision-making in the industry can be improved by digital technology.
Yet, despite the rather broad approach on E-navigation, there are demarcations to differentiate it from other trends in the maritime industry, which either have a different objective or may even reach beyond the E-navigation ambit.
3.1 Definition of E-Navigation
An early description on what E-navigation is, can be found at the homepage of the Fisheries and Oceans Canada [1], dating back to January 2020:
E-navigation (electronic navigation) is the:
use of high-tech equipment to analyse and collate maritime data
electronic delivery of navigational information and communications
A more international definition was given by Soo Yeob Kim, director of Maritime Safety Department, at the Korea Maritime Institute [2]:
E-nav is defined as collecting, integrating, expressing, analysing, and exchanging the marine data between ships and the land in harmony through the electronic method for promoting navigation from a port (of departure) and a port (of arrival) as well as related services, protecting marine environment, keeping safe navigation, and maintaining marine safety and security
Eventually the final and official characterisation of the E-navigation concept was provided by the IMO, during the 85th meeting of its Maritime Safety Committee in 2008, after receiving substantial inputs from the industry and other relevant organisations (e.g., IALA and IHO) [3]:
1.1 E-navigation is the harmonised collection, integration, exchange, presentation and analysis of marine information on board and ashore by electronic means to enhance berth to berth navigation and related services for safety and security at sea and protection of the marine environment.
1.2 E-navigation is intended to meet present and future user needs through harmonisation of marine navigation systems and supporting shore services.
The same source [3] clarifies, that:
9.10 […] It is important to understand, that E-navigation is not a static concept, and the development of logical implementation ph
