Saab announced the successful implementation of the National Automatic Identification System (NAIS) on the Indian coastline for India’s Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL), which will also be used by the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and DG Shipping. The National Automatic Identification Systems was recently inaugurated by the Union Minister for Shipping, G.K. Vasan in Chennai.

The NAIS provides coverage to the entire Indian coast, whereby 74 lighthouses are now fitted with the Saab systems. Automatic Identification System (AIS) provides real time merchant traffic Information and the web server allows access to live data over internet. The project comprised installation of sensors and equipment along the Indian coast for regional and national control centres. Saab implemented the entire gamut of project which included installation, commissioning, training and support, along with their Indian partner, Elcome Marine Services. The project was signed by Saab and Elcome Marine Services combine in November 2010 and it has been completed ahead of schedule in 2012.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Magnus Persson, Vice President Operations, Saab Transponder Tech, said, “Saab is proud to be associated with India’s maritime safety and security. This project is one of the largest national AIS-based coastal surveillance systems ever to be deployed. The successful completion of this contract is an important validation of Saab’s position as the technology leader in AIS base stations and networks worldwide.”