NEMESIS
The growing number of vessels that switch off or manipulate their AIS signals poses a significant challenge to maritime security and the protection of critical infrastructure. NEMESIS is developing an automated drone-based solution for maritime surveillance in the Belgian North Sea. The system combines image analysis, artificial intelligence, AIS correlation, and secure data sharing to detect suspicious activities more quickly and provide relevant information to the appropriate authorities.
Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)
BVLOS refers to drone operations in which the drone flies beyond the pilot's direct line of sight. Unlike VLOS (Visual Line of Sight), where the pilot must continuously keep the drone in view with the naked eye, BVLOS operations rely on technologies such as GPS, telemetry, sensors, cameras, and reliable communication links to ensure safe flight. BVLOS enables drones to be deployed over long distances for inspection, monitoring, surveillance, mapping, and a wide range of other maritime applications.
Objective
NEMESIS aims to demonstrate how automated drones can contribute to improved detection of non-cooperative vessels and enhanced maritime situational awareness.
Approach
The project combines BVLOS drone surveillance flights with automated object detection, AIS correlation and automated flight path adaption for detailled vessel characterization. The collected information is securely shared with the relevant authorities.
Partners
- Partners: ADLC (BVLOS operator), VITO (object detection, AIS correlation) and Sirris (transmission & security)
- A Blue Bastion project with support from: KHID
- contact: Joeri Vanbelle
