CanalNav-VR
VDES Ready NeoPanamax NPPU
A robust, fully compliant Non-Portable Piloting Unit designed specifically for NeoPanamax vessels transiting the Panama Canal. Future-proofed with integrated next-generation AIS 2.0 transceiver technology.
CanalNav-VR Unit
System Capabilities
Integrated compliance with high-precision positioning.
Since January 1, 2024, the Panama Canal Authority requires a fixed Non-Portable Piloting Unit (NPPU) with Real-Time Kinematics (RTK) for centimeter-level accuracy. CanalNav-VR eliminates the transit delays and reliability problems of portable solutions.
Complete Class A AIS
Eliminates the necessity for secondary transceivers, delivering full operational support globally inside and outside the canal environment.
Crew Installation Design
No specialized engineering visits required. Shipped with standard pre-configured cables, antennas, and mounting brackets for efficient crew setup.
Cost-Effective Upgrades
Avoid costly hardware rebuilds. A seamless path ensures easy transition to future AIS 2.0 (VDES) protocols using existing infrastructure.
Engineered for both deployment markets
New-Build Vessels
Integration at the drydock construction stage
- ✦ Class A transponder integration is included by default.
- ✦ Allows operators to access critical navigation and high-accuracy heading data directly on bridge ECDIS.
- ✦ Pre-wired for seamless upgrade pathways into AIS 2.0 (VDES - VHF Data Exchange System).
Retrofitting Vessels
Fast deployment with minimal vessel disruption
- ✦ Self-installable setup parameters mean crew can handle configuration, eliminating drydock delays.
- ✦ Direct out-of-the-box compatibility with SEAiq Pilot and Trelleborg SafePilot software.
- ✦ Ideally balanced toolset for advanced berthing, locking, and tight mooring assistance.
A highly integrated sensory system
CanalNav-VR is built upon the synthesis of two core subsystems working in harmony.
V3 VDES
AIS 2.0 TRANSCEIVERThe integrated V3 transponding unit handles heavy-capacity messaging. Features embedded Class A parameters that satisfy future requirements before mandatory international dates, preserving your commercial value.
PF1 NAV
PRECISION IMUCombines GNSS sensor data with inertial measurement assistance. Provides centimeter positioning and dynamic drift correction ensuring unparalleled reliability during crucial navigation decisions.
Shipped securely in standard commercial configuration. All required accessories, coaxial connectivity, and bracket kits are placed within this footprint.
Comprehensive System Delivery
S3C delivers the CanalNav-VR as a complete package, removing any need to source auxiliary parts. The standard equipment registry includes:
- CanalNav-VR NPPU Host
- Two High-Precision GNSS Antennas
- One Dedicated VHF Antenna (AIS)
- One UHF Antenna (UHF-RTK)
- Two Dual-Band WiFi Antennas
- Coaxial Low-Loss Feedlines
NeoPanamax Certified Hardware Parameters
Key Features
- • Small, compact, light-weight build
- • Integrated UHF-RTK receiver
- • Active AIS 2.0 (VDES) standard support
GNSS & IMU
- • 1cm position accuracy (with RTK)
- • 0.02° Dynamic heading precision
- • GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, GALILEO
- • Anti-jamming and spoofing active defenses
SDR Transceiver
- • Output: 1W / 12.5W Power Levels
- • Channel BW: 25 / 50 / 100 / 150 kHz
- • Rx Sensitivity: better than -118 dBm
Physical & Power
- • Chassis size: 100 x 200 x 10 mm
- • Net mass: 2500g
- • Operating window: -15°C to +55°C
- • Power: High efficiency under 20W
S3C: Pioneers in Space-Maritime Communications
Since 2015, S3C has designed high-reliability communications hardware operating at the interface of terrestrial maritime networks and space orbits. Our core Software Defined Radio (SDR) transceiver systems are trusted in space-borne AIS platforms, moon exploration rovers (Rashid Rover mission), and demanding maritime environments. We ensure your regulatory readiness through deep in-house engineering expertise.
2022
SpaceX Falcon 9 SDR Payloads
2015
Pioneered AIS 2.0 (VDES) standardizations