The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) launched the indigenous Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS) ‘SAGAR SAMPARK’. The system was inaugurated by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal.

DGNSS is a terrestrial-based enhancement system that corrects the errors and inaccuracies in the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), allowing for more accurate positioning information. The system is expected to help mariners in safe navigation and reduce the risk of collisions, groundings, and accidents in the port and harbour areas.

Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said, “Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji, the MoPSW has given high priority to the safety of navigation, especially due to the considerable increase in shipping volume in the recent past.” He said, “The launch of ‘Sagar Sampark – Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS)’ at 06 locations under DGLL, will definitely enhance the capability of the DGLL (Directorate General of Light Houses and Light Ships) in the field of Radio Aids to Marine Navigation.”

Minister of States for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shripad Yesso Naik, in his address, said that DGNSS is an important Radio Aid to Navigation towards fulfillment of international obligations of International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA).

According to DGLL, the latest DGNSS system is now able to transmit corrections of GPS and GLONASS. The DGNSS significantly improves the accuracy of GPS positioning, reducing errors caused by atmospheric inferences, satellite clock drift, and other factors. This is achieved with the help of modern state-of-the-art technology receivers and latest software. The error correction accuracy has been improved from 5 to 10 meters to less than 5 meters for 100 Nautical Miles from Indian coastlines.

Meanwhile, the MoPSW has also announced plans to set up DGNSS stations at 18 other locations across the country in the next two years. The move is part of the government’s efforts to improve maritime safety and security in India.

Image source: PTI