ShipXplorer's First AIS Antenna installed at the North Pole

ShipXplorer is thrilled to announce the momentous accomplishment of installing the first AIS Station at the North Pole aboard the renowned icebreaking cruise ship, Le Commandant Charcot. This remarkable achievement, which occurred on July 10, 2023, in Svalbard, represents a significant milestone in enhancing safety and navigation capabilities in the remote Arctic region.

ShipXplorer's First AIS Station Installed Onboard Le Commandant Charcot

Our team, accompanied by CEO Andre Brandao, embarked on this extraordinary journey aboard the magnificent Le Commandant Charcot, a tribute to the legendary French polar scientist Jean-Baptiste Charcot. Operated by the esteemed French shipping company Compagnie du Ponant, this vessel underwent construction at the Vard Tulcea shipyard in Romania and was then finalized with outfitting in Søviknes.

Le Commandant Charcot (IMO 9846249) at Svalbard - Photo Credit: Andre Brandao - ShipSpotting.com

The awe-inspiring Le Commandant Charcot boasts impressive specifications, including a draft of 10 meters, a cost of NOK 2.7 billion, a length of 150 meters, and a capacity to accommodate 270 passengers in 135 cabins. Construction of this exceptional ship commenced in December 2018.

Le Commandant Charcot (IMO 9846249)

How does AIS transmit data?

AIS transponders continuously board the vessel and automatically transmit AIS data (position, navigation & identification data) at periodic intervals via VHF. The VHF signals, containing the respective vessels' AIS data, are received by AIS transponders fitted on other ships or on land-based systems, such as VTS systems. This data is then displayed either on a chart plotter showing the positions of the other vessels or on a radar display.

A vessel’s positional and velocity data are obtained from the from vessel’s GPS system, while the navigational data, such as heading and course, are received from the vessel’s compass. Identification data, such as the vessel’s call sign, IMO number, size, type, and name, is preset and is less frequently transmitted.

North Pole Map

Onboard Le Commandant Charcot (IMO 9846249)

During our voyage with Le Commandant Charcot, ShipXplorer achieved an industry-defining feat by successfully installing the AIS Station on the ship, enabling real-time tracking of vessels navigating the Arctic. This station has obtained approval from the Ponant company and its Cyber Security department. It comprises a weather-resistant box powered by power & ethernet (POE), a RadarBox & ADS-B Exchange (RadarVirtuel) ADS-B receiver, and a ShipXplorer AIS antenna. This groundbreaking technology will augment maritime safety and navigation capabilities in the challenging and remote Arctic environment.

"Celebrating this milestone achievement underscores our unwavering commitment to pioneering solutions that transcend geographical challenges. The first ADS-B & AI receiver at the North Pole, in partnership with AirNav RadarBox, symbolizes our dedication to pushing technological boundaries to improve maritime safety and navigation. We look forward to furthering our impact in transforming how we navigate and operate in extreme environments." - Duval Laurent, CEO of ADS-B Exchange (RadarVirtuel).

The temporary installation of ShipXplorer on the expedition vessel marked a significant enhancement to the scientific capabilities of the mission.

Additionally, this station incorporates a GPS and two feeders for transmitting data to RadarVirtuel/ADS-B Network and also to AirNav RadarBox (AIS and ADS-B). The funding for this demonstrator was provided by RadarVirtuel, and aimed to expand deployment to other ships equipped with satellite connections, such as Starlink and Iridium. We are immensely proud to participate in this historic endeavor and remain committed to advancing exploration and safety in the polar regions.

South Pole (Antarctica)

Equipped with ShipXplorer, the crew of "Le Commandant Charcot" was able to gather unprecedented data and insights into Antarctica's unique and challenging environment. The tool's advanced sensors and imaging capabilities allowed for detailed mapping of the region's terrain, ice formations, and wildlife, contributing valuable information to ongoing research efforts.

STRPI0000326 AIS Station

ShipXplorer - New Units

Despite the formidable challenges posed by the extreme conditions and logistical complexities of the North Pole, the dedicated team of engineers and technicians from ShipXplorer overcame all obstacles.

ShipXplorer AIS SeaRange Receiver

Discover the ShipXplorer store and our AIS hardware-focused products by clicking here.

With resolute determination, they tirelessly built the AIS (AIS Sea Range Receiver) Station, incorporating cutting-edge antennas, transceivers, and data processing units.

Onboard Le Commandant Charcot (IMO 9846249)

The outcome is a robust surveillance system providing real-time tracking and monitoring capabilities for maritime vessels and aircraft operating in the Arctic region.

Onboard Le Commandant Charcot (IMO 9846249)

The AIS Station now serves as a beacon of safety amidst the vast icy expanse of the North Pole, extending our coverage far beyond the region itself.

Crossing the North Pole

By harnessing cutting-edge technology, ShipXplorer ensures that previously unmonitored areas can be tracked and navigated precisely. This installation opens up new possibilities for enhanced safety, efficiency, and situational awareness in maritime and aviation operations, even in the most challenging environments.

North Pole

Polar Bears

Polar bear - North Pole

As we ventured through the immense expanse of the North Pole aboard the esteemed Le Commandant Charcot, an unforgettable sight seized our attention - a solitary polar bear amidst the frozen wilderness. This heart-stirring moment we have left an everlasting impression as we beheld this majestic creature in its natural habitat, gracefully and resolutely navigating the icy terrain. The ShipXplorer team was privileged to witness a profound display of Arctic beauty and resilience during our extraordinary journey.

Polar bear - North Pole

Crossing the icy waters of the Arctic

A Symbolic Encounter: Le Commandant Charcot and Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Years of Victory Extend a Message of Peace At the North Pole

Beyond being an ordinary cruise, the expedition became a symbolic manifestation of peace in the North Pole. Le Commandant Charcot had a meaningful encounter with the Russian Arktika-class nuclear-powered icebreaker, 50 Years of Victory. Against simmering tensions during the Russia-Ukraine war, this meeting held immense significance as both vessels exchanged gestures of peace, sending forth a powerful message of harmony in the remote expanses of the North Pole. To delve deeper into this historic occasion, click here.

Le Commandant Charcot & 50 Years of Victory at the North Pole

Andre Brandao, CEO of ShipXplorer, expressed his excitement regarding this groundbreaking achievement, stating, "The installation of the first AIS Station in the North Pole represents a significant stride in maritime safety. By pushing boundaries and ensuring comprehensive coverage across the globe, ShipXplorer is revolutionizing the way vessels and aircraft navigate challenging environments. We take pride in leading the way in providing advanced tracking solutions that make navigation safer and more efficient."

For further information and inquiries, please contact:

Caio Barros
Communications & Marketing, ShipXplorer
Office: +1 (813) 321-7834 | Mobile: +1 (813) 321-7834
Email: caio@airnavsystems.com | Website: www.shipxplorer.com

About ShipXplorer

ShipXplorer is a leading provider of cutting-edge tracking solutions for maritime operations. Committed to innovation and comprehensive coverage, ShipXplorer delivers real-time tracking and monitoring capabilities to enhance safety and efficiency in challenging environments across the globe.

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