News
News
[Announcement] Workshop on Satellite VDES
2026.07.14
Maritime communications are at a major turning point.
The Automatic Identification System (AIS), which has long underpinned vessel identification and safe navigation, has in recent years come to be recognized as having certain functional limitations. Against this backdrop, the transition to the next-generation VHF Data Exchange System (VDES), which enables more advanced communications, is becoming increasingly realistic. In 2024, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) approved amendments to the relevant convention requiring certain vessels to be fitted with either AIS or VDES, with entry into force scheduled for 1 January 2028. In light of these developments, the importance of VDES is expected to grow further in the years ahead.
The name "VDES" itself was adopted at the initiative of Japan at an international workshop hosted by the Japan Coast Guard in Tokyo in 2012. Over the more than ten years since, technical development and regulatory frameworks have been steadily advanced under the auspices of the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) and other relevant organizations. More recently, "Satellite VDES," which integrates VDES with satellite communications, has attracted growing attention, raising expectations for broader coverage and enhanced capabilities.
At the same time, a number of issues remain to be addressed before practical deployment can be realized, including concrete use cases, operational rules, and frameworks for international coordination.
In view of these circumstances, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, in cooperation with IALA and the Japan Coast Guard, will host the "Workshop on Satellite VDES." The Workshop will review international efforts to date and explore the challenges and future direction of VDES toward practical implementation.
The first day, 10 November, will feature an open forum, welcoming not only experts but also members of the general public with an interest in this field. Through this occasion, we hope to deepen shared understanding of the subject and to further promote both its social implementation and international cooperation.
The Automatic Identification System (AIS), which has long underpinned vessel identification and safe navigation, has in recent years come to be recognized as having certain functional limitations. Against this backdrop, the transition to the next-generation VHF Data Exchange System (VDES), which enables more advanced communications, is becoming increasingly realistic. In 2024, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) approved amendments to the relevant convention requiring certain vessels to be fitted with either AIS or VDES, with entry into force scheduled for 1 January 2028. In light of these developments, the importance of VDES is expected to grow further in the years ahead.
The name "VDES" itself was adopted at the initiative of Japan at an international workshop hosted by the Japan Coast Guard in Tokyo in 2012. Over the more than ten years since, technical development and regulatory frameworks have been steadily advanced under the auspices of the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) and other relevant organizations. More recently, "Satellite VDES," which integrates VDES with satellite communications, has attracted growing attention, raising expectations for broader coverage and enhanced capabilities.
At the same time, a number of issues remain to be addressed before practical deployment can be realized, including concrete use cases, operational rules, and frameworks for international coordination.
In view of these circumstances, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, in cooperation with IALA and the Japan Coast Guard, will host the "Workshop on Satellite VDES." The Workshop will review international efforts to date and explore the challenges and future direction of VDES toward practical implementation.
The first day, 10 November, will feature an open forum, welcoming not only experts but also members of the general public with an interest in this field. Through this occasion, we hope to deepen shared understanding of the subject and to further promote both its social implementation and international cooperation.
Event Details
Title: Workshop on Satellite VDES
Dates: 10–13 November 2026
Venue: International Conference Hall, 11th Floor, Sasakawa Peace Foundation Building
(1-15-16 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Further details regarding the open forum on 10 November, including the programme and registration procedures, will be announced around September 2026.
We look forward to your participation.
Dates: 10–13 November 2026
Venue: International Conference Hall, 11th Floor, Sasakawa Peace Foundation Building
(1-15-16 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Further details regarding the open forum on 10 November, including the programme and registration procedures, will be announced around September 2026.
We look forward to your participation.
