
Testing Next-Generation Maritime Navigation: Baltic Sea e-Nav Pilot Sessions
27 March 2025
On March 18th and 19th, the first pilot sessions for the Baltic Sea e-Nav project took place at SAMK’s maritime simulators in Rauma. These sessions marked a significant step forward in the testing and development of the new S-100 series products, the pilot was specifically testing the early versions of the S-101 Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) Standard and the S-102 bathymetric surface data display.
Realistic Simulations for Practical Insights
During the sessions, pilot candidates were first presented with several voyage planning scenarios to familiarize themselves with the new standard. They then moved on to hands-on testing in the maritime simulators, facing real-world challenges such as navigating around a capsized vessel on fire and maneuvering through a narrow harbor passage alongside a large freight vessel to reach the inner harbor.
The simulations provided an opportunity to assess how the new S-100 products function in dynamic and high-pressure maritime environments, offering invaluable insights into their usability and effectiveness.
Gathering End-User Feedback
Following each session, candidates completed feedback surveys to share their experiences and observations. This direct input from end-users is crucial to refining the products, ensuring they are both intuitive and practical for real-world navigation. By incorporating their feedback, the project aims to optimize the technology for maximum efficiency and ease of use.
The pilot sessions were facilitated by Robert Rylander from RISE and Antti Värre from SAMK, who guided the candidates through the testing process
Advancing Maritime Navigation
As maritime technology continues to evolve, projects like Baltic Sea e-Nav play a key role in shaping the future of navigation. By engaging end-users early in the development process, we can ensure that the next generation of navigational tools meets the needs of the maritime community, enhancing both safety and efficiency at sea.