ASDWire distribution date: Mon, 12 Nov 2007 22:03:00 GMT +0100

COM DEV and GateHouse Announce Alliance to bring Space-Based AIS Data Services to Global Maritime Community

CAMBRIDGE, ON, CANADA AND NR. SUNDBY, DENMARK, Nov 12, 2007 --[ASDWire]-- COM DEV International Ltd. (TSX: CDV), Canada’s leading manufacturer of space hardware subsystems and GateHouse A/S of Aalborg, Denmark, announced today, the signing of a strategic alliance agreement to combine their respective skills and capabilities to enable COM DEV’s space-based AIS (Automatic Identification System) data to be collected, stored, managed and displayed thus providing a global turnkey AIS solution for a range of user groups.

Global AIS coverage, which can be achieved from space, will extend the reach and utility of the existing AIS infrastructure. COM DEV is focused on developing an end to end system capability, which will support four key maritime areas – Search and Rescue, Environmental Monitoring and Protection, Vessel Traffic Management and Maritime Surveillance.

Current AIS solutions have limited physical coverage and generally, AIS ship to ship and ship to shore communications is restricted to 50 nautical miles. AIS coverage from space enables detection and collection of AIS data from a vessel at any point on the Earth.

GateHouse A/S is a world leader in application and analysis software for processing AIS data currently transmitted by over 68,000 ocean going ships. The company provides its renowned AIS systems to maritime authorities, governments and port authorities around the world and is working within the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) Project. The firm also has expertise in satellite communication protocols and application software.

According to Michael Bondo Andersen, CEO of GateHouse, “GateHouse believes that AIS received from space is going to increase Maritime Domain Awareness significantly, increase maritime safety and security and, not least, improve global environmental protection. AIS from space will supplement other technologies such as shore-based AIS, LRIT and radar monitoring and enable the global community to reach a berth to berth vessel monitoring much similar to what has been common for air traffic management for many years. GateHouse is convinced that the professional and focused way COM DEV approaches the space-based AIS market combined with the expertise of GateHouse within AIS solutions and satellite communication, will provide new and existing possibilities for governments around the world. We look forward to working with COM DEV to achieve this.”

Under the new Alliance Agreement, GateHouse will supply a complete software solution including display, archiving, historical reporting, user authentication, web access and other core AIS functionality along with hosting facilities for integrated data being produced by COM DEV’s previously announced air and space demonstration programs. The global shipping view that will be created by the GateHouse software will be capable of being delivered to and integrated with other display systems as well. GateHouse’s AIS Control and Monitoring Centre core is based on ghTrack™, which is a proven software platform for tracking, monitoring and control, used by a large number of coastal surveillance authorities worldwide.

GateHouse’s capability provides the end-user link required to enable full use of the AIS data which is collected by COM DEV’s space-based AIS payloads. The combination of global AIS data combined with the world’s leading AIS data management system will provide solutions for a broad range of maritime applications.

As previously announced COM DEV is proceeding with aircraft and spacecraft trials to validate the advanced AIS capability which will enable global AIS coverage with a minimal number of spacecraft. Data from these trials will also be stored, managed and displayed using GateHouse software. COM DEV has received expressions of interest from a number of maritime agencies around the world to evaluate the system capabilities for potential operational use.
Space-based AIS is highly complementary to other systems being deployed around the world such as shore-based AIS base station deployments and the LRIT initiative being led by the International Maritime Organization.

The space-based system developed by COM DEV has the ability to manage the large numbers of vessels visible from space that use AIS. In addition, the system has the added ability to detect vessels which intentionally or unintentionally transmit erroneous data. To ensure data security and integrity, COM DEV’s system approach ensures that all data is encrypted, and will only be available for controlled distribution to authorized users consistent with resolutions and policies established by the International Maritime Organization.

“Space-based collection of AIS data offers tremendous cost and performance advantages and complements existing and planned methods of monitoring marine traffic,” said COM DEV CEO John Keating. “We are very pleased to be allied with GateHouse in this exciting new venture. Both COM DEV and GateHouse have been investing in complementary AIS-related technologies for several years. This alliance brings together two global leaders and enables us to provide a complete AIS solution that we believe has significant market potential. Over the next year we anticipate entering into additional partnerships and alliances with leading providers in the infrastructure and services area as we continue to build out the capability to deliver this global service solution.”

About COM DEV
COM DEV International Ltd. ( www.comdev.ca ) is a leading global designer and manufacturer of space hardware subsystems. With facilities in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, COM DEV manufactures advanced products and subsystems that are sold to major satellite prime contractors for use in communications, space science, remote sensing and military satellites.

About GateHouse
GateHouse ( www.gatehouse.dk ) offers a large range of technical software products – mainly within satellite communications and asset tracking (e.g. surveillance of vessels) – and consultancy services ranging from full turnkey operation of software development to specific test operations. In addition, GateHouse is involved in the defence market. To ensure top quality and continuous improvement in software development, GateHouse works in accordance with CMMI and is ISO 9001:2000 certified.

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