IALA endorsed the Maritime Connectivity Platform (MCP) test instance
Link to the MCP and SECOM seminar
An important part of IALA’s work is focused on digital solutions within their domain, which is stated in R1019, ‘The provision of maritime services in the context of e-navigation in the domain of IALA’. One phrase of this recommendation states that IALA members should;
Ensure worldwide harmonization and interoperability by taking into account international standards and guidance for platforms for providing users with interoperable service discovery, identity authentication and messaging services.
The MCP is a decentralised realisation of this element of the recommendation, which provides exactly these features.
The MCP supports multiple digitalisation efforts, not least the development of SECOM‑based Technical Services, which require the authentication and service discoverability capabilities.
Status on IALA Technical Service Specifications and related information is available here:
https://www.iala.int/technical/technical-services/
The IALA endorsed MCP test instance is offered not only for IALA members, but also for any other relevant maritime stakeholders. The MCP test instance comprises:
- Maritime Identity Registry (MIR): Compliant with IALA G1183 Provision of MCP identities
- Maritime Service Registry (MSR): IALA guideline in preparation
- Maritime Messaging Service (MMS): Compliant with RTCM standard 13900.0
The MMS comprises two MMS router nodes with attached edge routers, and these are located in Sweden and Korea.
A management portal for MIR and MSR is available here:
https://management.maritimeconnectivity.net
New organisations and users can request access through this portal.
MMS endpoints (Programming API’s, not for user login):
- Korea Edge Router: wss://kr-edgerouter.dmc.international:8888
- Sweden Edge Router: wss://eu-edgerouter.dmc.international:8888
- Korea Router: wss://kr-router.dmc.international:8080
- Sweden Router: wss://eu-router.dmc.international:8080
The reference implementation should be maintained as long as it supports member needs in developing and testing digital maritime services. IALA may withdraw its endorsement at any time if the service is no longer required or if alternative providers emerge.
The IALA MCP test instance is operated by MCP Consortium members, KRISO and GLA Research & Development Directorate (GRAD).
More information on the MCP consortium can be found here: www.maritimeconnectivity.net
It is important to stress that the test instance obviously must not be used for any operational purposes. No guarantee or liability of this free service is given, not by IALA and not by KRISO or GRAD either.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MCP?
The Maritime Connectivity Platform (MCP) is an open-source, decentralised platform that provides identity authentication, service discovery and messaging for digital maritime services. It is governed by the MCP Consortium, a group of non-profit organisations. The MCP can be used to implement SECOM (IEC 63173-2), the IEC standard for secure communications in the maritime domain.
Why does IALA endorse a test instance?
IALA members and other organisations use the MCP to develop and test digital services based on S-100 data products, such as route exchange, VTS, navigational warning and AtoN information services. A common test instance allows them to evaluate the standards, ensure interoperability and encourage innovation. The need was identified at the 2nd Joint IALA/IHO Workshop on S-100/S-200 Development and Portrayal (Annapolis, USA, September 2024).
Who operates and maintains the test instance?
The test instance is operated and funded by KRISO and the GLA Research and Development Directorate (GRAD), members of the MCP Consortium, at no cost to IALA. Software development continues through the MCP Consortium and the open-source community. The test instance is not intended for operational use, and no assurance of reliability or availability is given.
How long will it be offered?
For as long as it supports members’ needs in developing and testing digital maritime services. IALA may withdraw its endorsement if the service is no longer required or if alternative providers emerge.