The European project EfficienSea2 has joined forces with Royal Arctic Line to complete the first-ever test of how space weather in the Arctic region influences the full range of a vessel’s communication channels.

When shipping companies deliver cargoes across the world, they depend on a broad range of communications equipment to ensure safe passage and reliable links at sea. The scope of these systems is certain to grow in the future and increase safety in the maritime world.

It does, however, pose a risk with regard to the phenomena of space weather, explained Jean-Jacques Valette, Space Systems Engineer at Collecte
Localisation Satellites (CLS), a partner in the EU funded EfficienSea2 project running a test to measure the impact of space weather. He said: ‘A full understanding of how space events affect our communication methods is essential. The more dependent we become on satellite communications, the more crucial it becomes to prepare for the effects of an outburst of disruptive energy and ejected particles from the sun.’