IMPROVED PORT EFFICIENCY AND SAFETY USING A NOVEL WIRELESS NETWORK AND DIFFERENTIAL GLOBAL NAVIGATION SATELLITE SYSTEM PROVIDING ENHANCED VESSEL NAVIGATION

Project Information

DOCKINGASSIST

Grant agreement ID: 286828

Closed project

Start date 1 November 2011

End date 31 October 2013

Funded under

• Specific Programme "Capacities": Research for the benefit of SMEs

Total cost € 1 474 704,59

EU contribution € 1 122 633,41

Coordinated by

NTRAM GENERAL S.A.
Spain

Final Report Summary - DOCKINGASSIST (IMPROVED PORT EFFICIENCY AND SAFETY USING A NOVEL WIRELESS NETWORK AND DIFFERENTIAL GLOBAL NAVIGATION SATELLITE SYSTEM PROVIDING ENHANCED VESSEL NAVIGATION)

Executive Summary:
Harbour navigation is peculiar and different from sea navigation. Harbours are where most ship collisions and groundings occur due to land constrictions, shallow water, other vessels and man-made structures like jetties, bridges and piers. At the same time, despite the fact that the current financial crisis has also affected maritime transport, a doubling of transport volumes is expected over the next 15-20 years. As such, in the coming years, EU ports will be placed under significant pressure to increase their capacity and efficiency. The EU maritime sector has responded via the provision of highly accurate vessel location systems (centimetre-level accuracy) to assist with the critical docking/manoeuvring of container ships, bulk carriers, and other large vessels.
The DOCKINGASSIST project has the purpose of improving the competitiveness of both maritime equipments producer SMEs and the end-user (e.g. the consortium partner Port of Cork). During the project life, we have successfully proved the principal idea of DOCKINGASSIST and transferred the technology from RTD performers to the consortium SMEs. The prototype has been developed and successfully tested/demonstrated at Port of Cork, Ireland in several trials and demonstrations. The performance complies with the defined system specification, and the testing results are very promising. The SME participants are very excited for the demonstrations activities and would like to exploit this technology for their future product lines.
In this report, the overall work of the DOCKINGASSIST project has been summarized. Section 4.1 summaries the project context and objectives. All the project objectives stated in the DoW have been achieved and explained in detail in this section. After that, a description of the main S&T results/foregrounds will be presented. The work progress and achievements in each work package are explained. Then, the potential impact and the main dissemination activities and exploitation of results are presented. Especially, we prepared an ANNEX to the Final Report, which provides a list of the activities performed, publications done, referrals from the Internet and mentions from specialized sites in an easy and visual way. In Section 4.2 two tables are presented to list all the scientific publications relating to the foreground of the project, and all the dissemination activities performed for the project. Section 4.3 presents a question list regarding the societal implications.

Project Context and Objectives:
The solution of the DOCKINGASSIST project has a massive economic impact on shipping sector SMEs, will result in improved port traffic management, and a reduction in operating expenses, CO2 emissions and fuel usage, lessening the environmental impact of shipping. The improved traffic efficiency will increase throughput in European ports with a minimum investment. Consequently, the related SMEs would also increase their business, taking advantage of this growth of goods, and will indirectly benefit from the reduction of operational expenses from the vessels’ trips.
The DOCKINGASSIST project developed a cost-effective location system, providing the necessary centimetre positioning/speed accuracy, but covering the complete port/harbour zone, thereby providing efficient and safe manoeuvring within the entire port area. This enhances vessel trajectory and facilitates the constant monitoring for moored/docked vessels. The DOCKINGASSIST project started in November 2011 and finished in October 2013. The prototype has been developed and successfully tested/demonstrated at Port of Cork, Ireland in several trials and demonstrations. The performance is very promising and the SME participants are very excited and would like to exploit this technology for their future product lines.
The DOCKINGASSIST system consists of two main parts: (i) a DOCKINGASSIST Base Station (BS) installed at the harbour, and (ii) a Portable Pilot Unit (PPU) installed on the ship(s). The portable unit is used by the expert pilot in charge of docking all the vessels at the port without requiring any expensive berthing systems.
• Base Station
The DOCKINGASSIST BS is composed of three different elements: (i) the GNSS/RTK (Global Navigation Satellite System/Real-Time Kinematic) receiver to obtain the GNSS reference (correction) data, (ii) the WiMAX BS in order to communicate with the vessels, and (iii) a control software to manage the GNSS/Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS)/RTK receiver and the WiMAX BS. The software is in charge of transmitting the correction data through the WiMAX downlink, and of receiving the accurate position, heading, and ROT data from the vessel through the WiMAX uplink.
• Portable Pilot Unit (PPU)
The configuration of the PPU is similar to the BS. A PPU typically includes three components: (i) a GNSS/DGPS/RTK receiver (rover station) with two antennas to acquire the vessel’s direction, (ii) one WiMAX Mobile Station (MS) to communicate with the BS, and (iii) a software responsible for connecting the GNSS/DGPS/RTK receiver with the WiMAX MS, that is further in charge of controlling the PPU receiving the reference data and transmitting the accurate position, direction, and ROT (Rate-of-Turn) streaming to the BS.
The prototype has been tested and demonstrated successfully at Port of Cork, Ireland. The performance complies with the defined system specification. In addition, in order to prove the its competitive position in relation to the current commercial products, we compared the performance with a current commercial product during the testing and field trials.

Project objectives
The main goals of the DOCKINGASSIST project are to design and implement a novel wireless network that support at least 100 users and covers the entire navigation port area and proximities, and to develop a software platform in charge of managing and controlling the system from the BS, gathering and recording all the position data from the vessels. In addition, new differential techniques in a harbour scenario will be implemented. Finally, DOCKINGASSIST will create a centralised, cost-effective, real-time, accurate vessel location and monitoring system, providing the necessary centimetre positioning/speed accuracy. This system will provide efficient and safe manoeuvring within the entire navigation harbour zone enhancing vessel trajectory, and providing constant monitoring for moored/docked vessels.
All the objectives stated in the DoW have been achieved. These objectives are listed below:

1) System specifications definition (WP1): In order to better understand and suit the end-user requirements, an online survey was conducted and the feedback was very useful for the definition of the system specifications. (Please refer to deliverable D1.1)
– Achieved by Month 3 – Main participants: all partners.

2) Implement RTK technique in a harbour scenario (WP2): ASCAMM has studied the different hardware available in the market that can satisfy the requirements of the project. The Trimble GNSS hardware product was finally selected for the DOCKINGASSIST system. ASCAMM tested and analysed the differential RTK technique in the harbour scenario, and carried out an extensive number of tests in different scenarios. These measurements allow proving the high accuracy of the system, achieving: 20 cm position accuracy (in dynamics measurements), 1 cm/s (0.02 knots) in velocity, and 0.1 degrees of static heading. These measurements have been compared with a commercial PPU installed at Port of Cork. The correction/differential data has been transmitted using WiMAX technology to facilitate the final system integration in WP5 (Please refer to deliverable D2.1 D2.2 D2.3 and D2.4)
– Achieved by Month 15 – Main participants: ASCAMM, MARTEC, ITT and VTT.

3) WiMAX license frequency band application (WP3 and WP7): VTT has studied the legislation related to WiMAX licensed bands in all the coastal European countries. A licensed frequency band at the 2.385 GHz, 10MHz bandwidth has been granted by the Irish frequency regulation body. After finishing the final demonstration of the project, ITT renewed the license for one year more until October, 31st 2014.
– Achieved by Month 8 – Main participants: VTT, ITT and PORT.

4) Design and implement a novel Wireless Network (WP3): The possible BS positions, number of BSs and relay stations, frequency band options have been researched and analysed by VTT in order to find the most efficient and suitable network configuration. Two WiMAX systems (5.4GHz and 2.3GHz) have been selected and purchased. The 5.4GHz WiMAX system was implemented for the initial testing to prove the throughput and coverage of the WiMAX technology. The 5.4GHz frequency band is license-free, so we could perform the initial testing quickly. The 2.3GHz frequency requires a license. We have applied a test license during the project and have renewed it until October, 31st 2014. The 2.3GHz WiMAX system has been deployed at Port of Cork for the final testing, validation and demonstration. The network has been tested demonstrating that the capacity can support at least 100 users. Coverage Tests has been carried out demonstrating the networks can cover the entire navigation port of work with at least 3 WiMAX BSs. The WiMAX network has also been extensively studied to transmit the RTK correction data. In addition, the transmission of other services (Internet services, video conference) together with the RTK correction data has also been validated during the project testing and demonstration. (Please refer to deliverable D3.1 D3.2 D3.3 and D3.4)
– Achieved by Month 15 – Main participants: VTT, ITT, RNC, NET and ASCAMM.

5) Development of a Software Platform (WP4): ITT, with the assistance of PRO, has designed and implemented a PC-based BS software which is in charge of managing and controlling the DOCKINGASSIST system from the base station, gathering and recording all the position data from the vessels, being connected and also managing the PPU. This software has the precise GIS analysis capabilities, showing the position of the vessels, and including alarm warnings. The BS software has been tested and demonstrated at Port of Cork and be integrated with the real-time AIS services from Port of Cork. The PPU software has been developed by ITT using HTML 5.0 and it is easier to integrate across multiple platforms, The PPU software was tested and demonstrated on an iPAD. The main system parameters (e.g. position, RoT, speed, WiMAX link status, correction data type, etc.) are shown on the interface of the iPAD. (Please refer to deliverable D4.1 D4.2 D4.3 and D4.4)
– Achieved by Month 15 – Main participants: ITT and PRO.

6) BS and PPU system integration (WP5): The DOCKINGASSIST system consists of two main parts: (i) a DOCKINGASSIST BS installed at the harbour, and (ii) a PPU installed on the ship(s). In WP5, the integration methodology of BS and PPU was studied and analysed. Taking advantage of the outputs from WP2, WP3 and WP4, the developed RTK technique, WiMAX network and the developed software were integrated and extensively tested in the lab and at Port of Cork. During the project, we have developed two PPUs (with one tablet running the PPU software) and one BS (including one GNSS BS and one WiMAX BS). The developed prototype has been tested and verified successfully during the field-testing and demonstrations. The PPUs and BS have been configured to be used easily and delivered to Port of Cork after the project. (Please refer to deliverable D5.1 D5.2 D5.3)
– Achieved by Month 21 – Main participants: ITT, VTT and ASCAMM.

7) System validation and demonstration (WP6): The DOCKINGASSIST technologies have been tested and proven successfully during a lot of testing activities in Barcelona (Spain), Oulu (Finland) and Cork (Ireland). Three field trials events have been performed in M9 (July 2012), M12 (October 2012) and M21 (July 2013) at Port of Cork (more trials have performed by VTT, ASCAMM and ITT locally in the lab). The DOCKINGASSIST prototype has been finally demonstrated successfully at Port of Cork, Ireland, on 9 of October, 2013. The performance complies with the defined system specification. In addition, in order to prove its competitive position in relation to the current commercial products, the performance was compared with a current commercial product during the testing and field trials. The results showed that DOCKINGASSIST system is competitive in the aspects of the coverage, capacity, system size and weight etc. (Please refer to deliverable D6.1 and D6.2)
– Achieved by Month 21 – Main participants: all partners.

8) Dissemination activities. (WP7) All partners have actively disseminated the project nationally and internally through workshop, exhibition, press, newspaper, radio, social media etc. E.g. SMM2012 international trade fair, Posidonia 2012 exhibition, Nereus workshop 2012, ICHCA 2012 and 2013, WPNC2013 workshop, Transport Logistic 2013, MIBE 2013 etc. The project website (www.dockingassist.eu) was created and it served as vehicle of communication and dissemination of the project and its results. The project logo was designed, and the project video was developed and uploaded to the project website and is also available on YOUTUBE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HA4Z3NdwFBs). A brochure has been designed by ITT and was distributed at several workshops and conferences. In addition, some other dissemination activities has been discussed and performed by the partners. e.g. a widespread Public Relations campaign targeting large ports, drawing on the use cases established by the use of DOCKINGASSIST at the Port of Cork. E.g. Port of Cork has already disseminated the DOCKINGASSIST project through the International Maritime Pilot Association 2012 in London, the Irish Institute of Master Mariners 2012 in Cork, and the International Harbour Masters Conference 2012 also in Cork. Tommy (from MARTECH) went to the Panama Channel in November, 2013 and he showed the DOCKINGASSIST technology to the possible customers. PRO also disseminated extensively the project to their customers in Spain and Africa. The main dissemination activities have been summarized and listed in the tables of Section 4.2. Due to such a lot of dissemination activities we have done for the DOCKINGASSIST project, the first six pages of the GOOGLE search “DOCKINGASSIST” are mainly the information regarding the project. (Please refer to deliverable D7.3 and D7.5)
– Achieved by Month 24 – Main participants: all partners.

In summary, all the objectives of the project have been achieved.

Project Results:
During the 24 months of the project, we have completed all the expected achievements stated in the Description of Work (DoW). Specifically, the work progress and achievements of the each WP are presented below.

WP1
ITT launched an online survey (http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/757101/DockingAssist-Survey) in order to collect the necessary information of the vessels positioning/navigation systems that are currently being used at European Ports. We have obtained the corresponding email addresses by contacting each company/Port by phone. This questionnaire has been sent to the main Ports of Europe in a range of different countries (PT, BE, IT, NL, FR, DK, SE, NO, FI, DE, ES, UK, IE and GR). In addition, in order to obtain enough sample data, Port of Cork has posted this online survey link on the international harbour masters website (http://www.harbourmaster.org/) and PRODEVELOP has sent the link to their customers in Spain and Africa.
In deliverable D1.1 the consortium completed the definition of the system requirements. The overall system specifications were defined for the DOCKINGASSIST project. In addition, the precise definitions of the hardware and software for both the WiMAX system and the GNSS system are presented. The architectures of the DOCKINGASSIST BS and PPU were illustrated in order to better understand the functionalities of each components of the overall system.
During the first technical meeting at Port of Cork, the consortium agreed that a platform from which the vessel could receive information from all the objects at the port asking and receiving answers would be useful. Vessels could receive information about weather conditions, tides, priorities, etc. In addition, all the partners realized that the laser-based BAS system would not be required to test the performance as a reference method, since it only provides the position information on one axis. An alternative approach should be provided, e.g. post processing the data and compare with a commercial PPU. The consortium also reached a consensus regarding the successful of the platform in term of GIS if it achieves the following goals: Real time GIS (for vessels monitoring); If it provides an API that allows compatibility with other currently used management systems.
The operational frequencies available for WiMAX deployments in the European coastal areas were studied by VTT in order to select a frequency that does not interfere with other devices or frequencies used at the ports. By considering the restrictions and the coverage capability, the 2.3 GHz and 2.5GHz licensed frequency bands are the most attractive ones for the DOCKINGASSIST system. Finally, we used the 2.3 GHz frequency band at Port of Cork field trials.

WP2
The main objectives of the WP2 are: (i) the development of a precise positioning system based on RTK, (ii) analysis of base station and rover antenna locations in order to optimise positioning performance, (iii) characterisation of positioning performance at Port of Cork through extensive testing, (iv) tuning of the receivers to optimise the performance, and (v) analysis of the increased of performance with Galileo. All of these objectives have been completed through T2.1 to T2.4.
In deliverable D2.1 a survey of the different GNSS hardware (including the GNSS BS, rover station and associated antennas) available in the market that can satisfy the requirements of the system (defined in WP1) was performed. The hardware selected for the application was presented. Finally, the Trimble GNSS hardware was purchased. In addition, different testing techniques for the RTK system to be deployed have been thoroughly assessed. The objective was to overcome the limitations in terms of dynamic testing of other techniques.
The DOCKINGASSIST system traffic model (the data rate for both Uplink and Downlink) was studied and developed for the system simulations and the WiMAX throughput evaluation. The initial study of the traffic model showed that the Downlink broadcasting correction reference data rate is around 321 kbps and the Uplink positioning data rate per vessel is around 43 kbps. After discussing during the M6 meeting, the consortium realized that the data rate of both the uplink and downlink could be adaptive in order to support more vessels simultaneously.
Extensive testing was performed to verify and prove the RTK technique for the project. The initial tests of the GNSS base station and a rover receiver (Trimble equipments) were performed firstly at the ASCAMM/CTAE premises with the objective of ensuring the correct functioning of the receivers. Further tests at the ASCAMM premises have been performed where the GNSS RTK corrections have been sent via a point-to-point WiMAX link (5.4 GHz WiMAX equipments). Results show that a correct transmission in a controlled environment was achieved. A short distance (1.5 km) between the two WiMAX points was tested. In M9 (July 2012), the GNSS base station and rover receivers were tested at Port of Cork to prove the RTK technique for the project. Further, the RTK correction data were tested via the 2.3 GHz WiMAX network firstly in Barcelona, and then in M12 (October 2012) and M21 (July 2013) at Port of Cork.
In addition, ASCAMM also performed a study to evaluate the improvement of performance that DGNSS will achieve once the Galileo constellation is in place (Please refer to deliverable D2.3). The receivers (Trimble ones) used in DOCKINGASSIST are Galileo-compatible, taking advantage of Galileo as soon as it is operational.
The GNSS and WiMAX systems integration was also initially studied in this work package during the testing at ASCAMM and Port of Cork. During the initial testing, the BS components (GNSS BS and WiMAX BS) were connected directly via Ethernet cable, and receivers (GNSS rover station and WiMAX CPE) were also connected through the Ethernet interface. During the testing at Port of Cork, the data transmission (correction reference data and positioning data) was successfully tested in the entire lower harbour area of Port of Cork. The positioning accuracy (position, heading direction and ROT) was achieved by the Trimble equipment during the initial testing and compared with a commercial PPU (ADX-135, AD Navigation). The DOCKINGASSIST system results seem to be more reliable than what the commercial PPU receiver’s, since the Trimble receiver represents a more logical and coherent position solution than the commercial PPU solutions.

WP3
The main objectives of this work package are to design and implement WiMAX network architecture according to the requirements and characteristics of a harbour environment and the positioning application.
Firstly, in T3.1 VTT performed an investment of map data (DTM and DSM) for coverage simulations. It has been assessed thoroughly and map data has been purchased from Intermap. The map data for simulations was handled so that 3D model of the Port of Cork area was created. Radio license application regarding the WiMAX network to Cork has been applied to Test&Trial Ireland, and the Irish frequency regulation body has granted a licensed frequency band at the 2.385 GHz. This license band has been renewed until October, 31st 2014.
By calculating based on the traffic model provided from WP2, the WiMAX system can provide more than sufficient capacity for the DOCKINGASSIST system requirements. In terms of capacity, WiMAX can easily support hundreds of vessels per BS. Through an extensive number of simulations at the VTT laboratory, the possible BS positions, number of BSs and relay stations, frequency band options have been researched and analysed, and the specific WiMAX network design for DOCKINGASSIST scenario was presented. According to the results of the detailed coverage area simulations, in order to guarantee consistent WiMAX coverage at 2.3 GHz for the whole Port of Cork area, at least three BSs each having two sectors must be deployed to Tivoli, IFI, and Port Ops. Due to the high capacity of the WiMAX network, a part from RTK correction data, other services (e.g. Internet, video connection) have been analysed and tested by VTT and ITT in lab and field trials. These services have also been demonstrated in M24 at Port of Cork.
Two WiMAX systems with different physical layer configurations and working at different frequencies, Fixed WiMAX (IEEE 802.16-2009 OFDM) and Mobile WiMAX (IEEE 802.16-2009 OFDMA), were investigated. The Fixed WiMAX system (5.4 GHz) has been purchased and was implemented for the initial testing to quick prove the throughput and coverage of the WiMAX technology in M9. And the Mobile WiMAX (2.3 GHz) system was deployed at Port of Cork, and extensive number of tests has been carried out both in the laboratory environments and at Port of Cork (in M12 and M21) to prove the WiMAX network for the project. Also the final demonstrations were performed in M24 by using the 2.3 GHz WiMAX system.
Through the initial testing at Port of Cork (in July, 2012), we have demonstrated that, in terms of coverage comparison of the 5.4GHz Fixed WiMAX and the commercial PPU at equal conditions (PPU at the same location and height, in a small boat), the 5.4 GHz WiMAX link has successfully achieved a 10 km of distance range while PPU, through a UHF link, has not been able to provide proper RTK correction coverage at a distance of 7 km. The 2.3 GHz WiMAX system has also been tested at Port of Cork (in October, 2012 and July, 2013), the performance of the coverage is better than the 5.4 GHz as expected; it can cover the entire lower harbour of Port of Cork with only one BS.

WP4
The main objective of the WP4 is to develop the software that will control the overall system, as well as gather the information from all vessels. Two software platforms have been developed for BS and PPU, respectively.
Firstly, all consortium partners developed the overall architecture of the DOCKINGASSIST system, which is shown in deliverable D4.1 based on the technical specifications in the WP1. The main components of the DOCKINGASSIST system (i.e. BS, PPU and the corresponding communication networks) were analysed. The functionalities of each component were described in detail. The state-of-the-art of the current port information systems were studied in order to understand the information/traffic used at the ports and that can be integrated at the DOCKINGASSIST system.
A detailed BS and PPU software architecture were developed for the DOCKINGASSIST system. Two modules (the GIS module and the web service interface) were studied and are still being developing by ITT in collaboration with PRO and PORT. The map provided by OpenStreet Map and located at PostGIS database (OpenGeo) and served by the Geoserver (OpenGeo) was used for the GIS module firstly, but finally we used the map provided by Port of Cork for the BS and PPU software display.
We have studied how to notify new vessel positions to the different clients connected to the DOCKINGASSIST BS (event driven notification). We used the Node.js technology that allows event driven notifications from the base station to the connected clients. Regarding the web service interface, ITT has studied how to communicate new vessel positions to the different clients and successfully tested that the DOCKINGASSIST BS is able to communicate up to 100 vessels changing positions in real time.
The PPU software has been developed by ITT based on HTML 5.0 technology, which is easier to integrate across multiple platforms. We have tested it for both iPAD and Windows platform. Also, the software has been successfully tested and demonstrated in M24 at Port of Cork. In addition, with the assistance of ASCAMM, we have integrated a Kalman filter in the PPU software in order to make it more stable concerning the speed, RoT and heading measurements.

WP5
The main objective of the WP5 is the integration of the elements developed in WP2, WP3, and WP4, implementing the DOCKINGASSIST Base Station at the Port of Cork, and implementing the PPU in order to test the system in WP6.
The integration of the BS and PPU was firstly invested during the first initial testing at ASCAMM. Due to all the main components (GNSS receiver and WiMAX component) supporting Ethernet protocol, we were thinking to connect via Ethernet cable directly and configure all the components. We finally successfully realized the connection only via Ethernet instead of integrating any sophisticated firmware. Thus, the system architecture was optimized, and further reduced the size of the PPU.
The BS has been developed by taking into account the integration of the three different elements: (i) the RTK GNSS receiver with the configuration, adaptation and characteristics implemented by ASCAMM in WP2, (ii) the WiMAX BS based on the hardware supplied by RNC and using the implementation carried out by VTT in WP3, (iii) and the PC control software developed by ITT in WP4. The DOCKINGASSIST BS was finally developed and installed at the Port Operation Station at Port of Cork in Cobh, Ireland. The PC control software was able to connect the PPU and request the position information of the vessel. In addition, the software can offer and display the vessel information, and was integrated with the current Port of Cork AIS services.
The PPU is an onboard unit, which collects information from the GNSS receiver and the WiMAX AP. The PPU was developed by integrating the GNSS receiver (with two antennas to acquire the heading information) as well as a WiMAX MS and its corresponding software. The PPU software is mainly in charge of extracting the information from different components (GNSS Rover, WiMAX MS, WiFi router), displaying the information on an iPAD/Laptop, and transmitting the necessary information to the BS. The developed PPU prototype has been tested and proved. It allows for ease of transportation and comfort use for the pilots. It includes a communication port (e.g. RS232), which provides the recording of the accurate positioning data. Since the WiFi module is integrated in the PPU, the raw data can also be recorded through WiFi link.
We have developed two PPUs and one BS during the project. One of the PPUs is equipped with a tablet (iPAD) running the PPU software. The BS has been installed at the Port of Cork Operation Station in Cobh. The developed DOCKINGASSIST system (one BS and two PPUs) has been initially tested after the integration work in T5.1 and T5.2. In T5.3 the overall system was firstly tested in Barcelona, SPAIN, and then deployed in Cork, Ireland during the M20 and M21. From the initial system tests, we can conclude that the integration was very successful due to the good results obtained during the tests in Barcelona and also during the extensive testing performed at Port of Cork on the pilot boat ‘Gleann Mor’.

WP6
The objective of WP6 is to validate the technology developed and integrated in previous Work Packages. The results of the validation have been documented into D6.1 and D6.2. Actually, in the T5.3 the overall system has already been tested in Barcelona, Spain and Cork, Ireland during the M20 and M21.
Task 6.1 focused on the whole system validation and achieved more testing results performed in Cork, Ireland. All the functionalities of the DOCKINGASSIST system have been successfully tested and verified in terms of the positioning accuracy, performance, installation, WiMAX capacity and services supported. In addition, we have performed more correlation testing of WiMAX link performance and GNSS correction data transmission before the demonstration event (on 8 of October, 2013). These testing results will be presented in a journal article by 2014.
In task T6.2 the demonstration activities were performed on 9 of October, 2013 at Port of Cork on the Denis Murphy boat. The detailed demo scenarios and results were documented in the deliverable report D6.2. The overall system was successfully demonstrated to all the consortium partners and the performance was very promising.

WP7
The general objective of this WP was to facilitate the take-up of results by the SMEs, in particular by training, dissemination, foreground management and IPR protection, as well as defining a business plan, in order to: (i) Ensure that SME participants will be able to assimilate the results of the project; (ii) Disseminate activities beyond the consortium to a wider audience; (iii) Support participating SMEs in protecting and using the research results to their best advantage; and (iv) Exploit the results and increase the competitiveness of SME participants.
In M3, several logos were designed and finally the one used by the project was decided upon by vote and agreed by the consortium. The project website was created and it served as a mean of communication and dissemination of the project and its results. The website contains all the project information divided into sections. A brochure has been designed by ITT and was distributed at the SMM2012 conference, WPNC 2013 and other workshops attended by the consortium partners. The project video was designed and uploaded to the project website and also available on the YOUTUBE. The project has been disseminated by all partners nationally and internationally through workshop, exhibition, press, newspaper, radio, social media etc. In May 2013, the DOCKINGASSIST project participated in the EPA (European Projects Awards) 2013 event, and was finally nominated as one of the 3 finalists in the macro-category ONGOING Project. Due to a large number of dissemination activities that have been done for the DOCKINGASSIST project, the first six pages of the GOOGLE search “DOCKINGASSIST” are mainly the information regarding the project.
RTD to SME technology transfer is taking place at the quarterly project meetings, where RTD activities for the period are presented and discussed. All the technical documents, relevant and interesting information for the proper use of the DOCKINGASSIST system have been documented and included in the training CD. The Exploitation Manager MARTECH, with the assistance from ITT, has coordinated all the major training/technology transfer actions between RTDs and SMEs, under WP7. MARTECH together with all RTDs and with the assistance of other partners has defined the material to be used and training program. The Training Plan was to continuously promote technology transfer during the duration of the entire project (joint R&D efforts, meetings, sharing of documentation and information), particularly between RTDs (ITT, ASCAMM and VTT), lead SME (MARTECH), technical SMEs (NET, PRO and RNC) and PORT.
The SMEs have also contributed to the technology transfer sessions by exposing their background to aid in the definition of alternative and complementary development paths to achieve the intended foreground. The DOCKINGASSIST website has been available online at http://www.dockingassist.eu since M3. A deliverable report D7.1 for using the website has been prepared. A brochure has been designed providing an attractive marketing image that will help disseminate the results to a wider audience during the project. Technical and end-user SMEs have undertaken discussions in periodic project meetings regarding the exploitation potential of the technology. A draft version and final version of the Plan for the Use and Dissemination of Foreground (PUDF) describing the plans for the exploitation of the results has been preparing by the partners (Deliverable D7.3 and D7.5).
In addition, in order to certify that our DOCKINGASSIST System complies with the system specifications, all RTDs performed an investigation regarding the possibility of subcontracting a third-party. All RTDs were trying to have the certification information (quotation, certification procedure, etc.) from different certification originations, e.g. Grant2Com from Finland, Bureau Veritas España, DNV, GL Group, Lloyd’s Register. However, after discussing with all the consortium partners, it was decided that it’s not necessary to perform it at this stage (for a prototype). It should be an important action once the product will be introduced to the market.

WP8
The main objectives of WP8 are to: (i) optimise the application of technical resources within the project and among the partners and subcontracted RTD performers and establish exploitation mechanisms, (ii) review and assess the work being carried out, maintenance of Consortium Agreement, overall coordination of legal, ethical and financial aspects, (iii) ensure that all aspects of the EC requirements for communication and reporting are met, and coordination of RTD activities has been included within their respective work packages. All the objectives listed were successfully completed due to the active participation and cooperation of all the partners.
Potential Impact:
The DOCKINGASSIST project has the purpose of improving the competitiveness of both maritime equipments producer SMEs and the end-user (e.g. the consortium partner Port of Cork). During the project life, we have extensively and successfully proved the principal idea of DOCKINGASSIST. The overall testing results are very impressive. The performance of the DGNSS technique with RTK correction data was evaluated through the Trimble hardware. The results show that Trimble was more reliable than the commercial PPU receiver, and that the positioning and heading accuracy are very similar due to both PPUs using RTK technology. The measurement results with the tested WiMAX network (both the 5.4 GHz and the 2.3 GHz WiMAX systems) indicate that the system can attain a 10 km coverage range in a harbour environment (lower harbour of Port of Cork). In comparison, the commercial PPU, through a UHF link under equal conditions, has not been able to provide proper RTK correction coverage for a radius of 7 km. Moreover, the field trials proved that there are no restrictions caused by insufficient capacity of the WiMAX for the positioning data. The capacity is sufficient supporting more than 100 vessels simultaneously. In addition, other supplementary services (e.g. Internet connection) were provided and successfully tested during the field trials and demonstrations.

Potential Impacts
In Europe, where 22 out of the 27 EU member states are coastal, maritime transportation is a central element of European trade, accounting for over €20 billion annual turnover and employing more than 350,000 persons. European ports and shipping companies are currently suffering due to the world economic crisis. In fact, 2008-2009 marked the worst depression period the shipping industry has seen in decades. However, when the global economic crisis eases, EU port capacities will then return to a saturated state, placing further demands for efficient traffic management and improved throughput.
The final objective of the DOCKINGASSIST project is to develop a centralised, cost-effective, real-time, accurate vessel location and monitoring system for harbours using DGNSS and WiMAX technologies. The DOCKINGASSIST project has a massive economic impact on shipping sector SMEs, allowing them to operate their vessels with greater safety and efficiencies in time, and reduce the operating expenses, CO2 emissions and fuel usage, lessen the environmental impact of shipping. It is estimated that the DOCKINGASSIST system allows faster, more efficient docking manoeuvres. This reduction in time also positively impact the efficiencies of ports, as the times savings could reach up to 20%, increasing throughput at European ports significantly by up to 2.5%, with a minimum investments, taking into account docking time and total time a vessel is docked at port. Consequently, the related SMEs would also increase their business, taking advantage of this growth of goods, and indirectly benefit from the reduction of operational expenses from the vessels’ trips.
The development of the DOCKINGASSIST technology has a strategic and competitive impact for the SME proposers. The ship navigation equipment manufacturer MARTECH will directly benefit from the distribution and installation of the system. The technical SMEs NET, PRO, and RNC will benefit from developing the system for MARTECH. NET will supply the wireless technology, using the hardware supplied by RNC. PRO will develop and adapt the software for each client that will manage the DOCKINGASSIST system.
Additionally, ships already account for nearly 3% of worldwide carbon dioxide emissions, and pressure is on the sector to reduce these emissions within an aggressive timeline, putting massive pressure on ports and shipping companies. With DOCKINGASSIST, ships will spend around 20% less time on docking procedures thus causing less carbon and sulphur emissions. To that end, the successful implantation of the DOCKINGASSIST project has a huge environmental impact, helping to reduce emissions. Therefore, it will enhance the life quality of workers and people who live near ports.
The fact that harbours are starting to incorporate WiMAX technology (around 10% globally) will facilitate the penetration of DOCKINGASSIST, since the harbours are seeing the advantages that this technology is able to offer. In addition, the implementation of the DOCKINGASSIST technology will also have a clear economic impact on European ports, due to the efficiency gained, which, in turn, will increase the competitiveness of EU ports in the face of growing Asian competitors. In addition, DOCKINGASSIST’s added safety in docking and berthing operations will lead to economic savings in damages caused by accidents at ports, such as clean-up or legal concerns, and will increase consumer confidence in Europe’s ports.

Dissemination Activities
The DOCKINGASSIST project is aimed to assure that any public information on the project and its results at both intermediate and final periods will arrive to a wide and a relevant audience. To achieve this goal the Consortium members agreed to define specific and clear strategies to be fulfilled during the project’s life. Dissemination activities were coordinated by the Exploitation Manager, Mr. Tommy Mikkelsen, on behalf of MARTECH and undertaken by all Consortium members.
While there were different types of informative campaigns of the Project, undertaken individually or collectively, addressed to one or multiple sectors, reported through one or more channels or at different stages of the project, there always be a minimum set of goals in all activities:

 To raise the awareness of the general public;
 To show how effective European collaboration is when developing innovative projects;
 To reach an audience as wide as possible;
 To attract the interest of the research community and pave the ground for future research;
 To efficiently promote the benefits of the DOCKINGASSIST foreground to the industry and end-users, so as to strengthen its commercial potential and widen business opportunities for the consortium members;
 To stimulate the creation of new partnerships and synergies between companies interested in a product.
The dissemination activities include the generation/publication of materials/results in Magazines, Workshops and Medias (e.g. Radio, TV and Web Social Medias).
The DOCKINGASSIST has been actively disseminated by all partners nationally and internally. The main dissemination activities are listed in the tables of Section 4.2. In addition, we have prepared an ANNEX to the Final Report, which provides a list of the activities performed, publications done, referrals from the Internet and mentions from specialized sites in an easy and visual way.

Exploitation of Results
Since the beginning of the project, the Consortium did a valuable effort to boost the pre-competitive prototype that came from the DOCKINGASSIST Project towards a final marketable device. For this reason, the Consortium submitted a Demonstration proposal under FP7-SME-2013, Activity 2.3: Demonstration Activity (Submitted Nov.15th 2012) with the aim of continues the validation of the DOCKINGASSIST system once finished the project and before reaching the market. Unfortunately, the proposal was not funded, although it passed all the evaluation thresholds and was placed on the ranking list.
Knowledge management as established by the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) has been upheld by the Exploitation Chairman, Mr. Tommy Mikkelsen from Marimatech, and one representative from each SME. RTD performers have also participated in the IPR and have given advice on exploitation work, but only as observers.
Prior to their involvement in the project, the partners analysed the opportunities presented from a business perspective and how they proposed to exploit the results. This resulted in a schematic Business Plan that served as a basis for discussion during the development of the PUDF. The commercial route envisaged for the exploitation of the results will be via Consortium members, as well as outside parties if needed. Partners MARTECH, NET, PRO, and RNC intend to lead the exploitation of the new technology, by producing and selling the new system. The benefits during exploitation of the project results are based on the following intentions and roles for each partner:
• MARIMATECH – MARTECH, as the largest manufacturer of piloting and docking systems in the world, will integrate, install, and distribute DOCKINGASSIST PPU devices. It will thus lead the commercialisation of the new technology and provide technical support. During the M24 meeting, Tommy from MATECH highlighted that they are interested in incorporate the technology into their products. Specially, the WiMAX and WiFi capability, maybe the Trimble Rover, and also the PPU software.
• RUNCOM – RNC, as manufacturers of WiMAX technology, will supply the specific hardware related to the WiMAX network setup. RNC, while extremely well established and with working relationships in Europe, the U.S. and Asia, are interested in entering the marine sector, and DOCKINGASSIST will facilitate entry into this area. Their benefit will be thus directly linked to the increase of sales. In M24 meeting, RUNCOM was also interested in providing the WiMAX infrastructure to harbour scenarios, they pointed out that they have to cooperate with someone in order to put the technology on the market.
• PRODEVELOP– PRO will develop the DOCKINGASSIST software that will be easily integrated into ports’ current management software, as well as in current navigation systems. They will also participate in the integration and maintenance of the system that MARIMATECH will sell, earning a percentage of the benefits generated from those sales. PRO could also exploit the DOCKINGASSIST results individually by integrating the software to their current products. In the M24 meeting, PRO mentioned that they are interested in the Base Station management system developed and that they can be active in commercial actions to disseminate the integrated technology.
• NET TECHNOLOGIES – NET as specialists in GSM, WiFI and WiMAX communications monitoring and tracking vehicles, is interested in developing the wireless network of the DOCKINGASSIST system for other applications such as public transportation and fleet management.
• PORT OF CORK – PORT will offer its installations for testing. In exchange, and as agreed in the Consortium Agreement, DOCKINGASSIST prototype developed by the Project is installed and will remain at the facilities of PORT after the end of the Project. PORT shall have the right to use the Prototype as it sees fit in its facilities. Nevertheless, PORT shall not have the right to sell the Prototype to any third party or install the prototype in any other facilities.
MAR, RNC, and PRO are considering the exploitation as a common plan, with active participation from all partners. However, as indicated above, each one of them should have an individual role, according to its profile, to the development of the product-service and they do not discard to exploit by separate some parts of the system.
Access rights to foreground for project execution purposes will be granted royalty-free, as required by the FP7 rules. The project SMEs are exclusive owners and responsible for the exploitation of foreground. The RTD performers will not have any ownership or user rights, but may request access rights to foreground for further internal research purposes. The SMEs may grant such access rights, provided that the granting is consistent with their commercial interests. Such access rights shall be granted to the RTD performers on fair and reasonable conditions, to be agreed by the SMEs on a case-by-case basis; the SMEs may thus request, in exchange for the access rights, information and exploitation rights on future results that the RTD performers could achieve by further research on the foreground.

List of Websites:
http://www.dockingassist.eu