VDES to Become SOLAS Equipment – What This Means for the Maritime Industry
At its 110th session, the IMO Maritime Safety Committee endorsed the VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) as SOLAS carriage requirement equipment, effective from January 1, 2028, as proposed by it’s subcommittee NCSR12.
This marks a significant step forward in maritime digitalization. VDES builds on AIS (Automatic Identification System) but offers increased bandwidth and improved reliability through both terrestrial and satellite communication channels. For shipowners, upgrading from AIS to VDES means access to enhanced data services, improved situational awareness, and long-term regulatory compliance.
Because VDES includes AIS functionality, it enables a smooth and future-proof transition from current systems to the new standard—ensuring continuity without operational disruption.
Already today, members deliver type-approved AIS transponders and AIS base stations that are future-proof by design. These systems are fully upgradeable to VDES, giving shipowners and port authorities a clear path to compliance and next-generation capability—without having to reinvest in entirely new infrastructure.
The transition to VDES represents more than just compliance—it’s an opportunity to build a more connected, safer, and smarter maritime domain.
IEC has already started its work to incorporate the IMO decisions into its draft VDES ship equipment test standard IEC 63514, targeted to reach CDV in 2026, allowing start of ship equipment type approvals.
A bit further details for the VDES nerds:
- now, SOLAS chapter V will be adapted such that VDES or AIS can fulfill the earlier AIS carriage requirement
- a new IMO VDES performance standard is approved
- a new IMO VDES guideline is approved
- access the draft documents through docs.imo.org; everybody can get an account there, just select “public user”