Sternula

What Sternula does

Sternula A/S is a privately held maritime telecommunications company headquartered in Aalborg, Denmark, founded in 2019. It is the world's first commercial provider of satellite-based AIS 2.0, operating a Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) micro-satellite constellation that delivers VDE-SAT connectivity — the satellite component of the VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) — for global two-way maritime communications between ships and shore. The first satellite, Sternula-1, was launched on January 3, 2023 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 and became operational in early 2023, with a planned expansion to a 60-satellite constellation.

The company's core technology stack is built around three layers. At the connectivity layer, VDE-SAT extends AIS by overlaying digital data exchange onto existing VHF shipboard antennas, operating over the spectrum allocated to VDES by the ITU at WRC-19; the architecture is non-IP, which Sternula positions as an inherent cybersecurity advantage. At the messaging layer, the Maritime Messaging Service (MMS), defined under RTCM 13900.0, provides authenticated, authorized communications between maritime stakeholders via the Maritime Connectivity Platform, with Edge-side MMS Proxy Ship/Shore devices and routing modules (MMS Routing Ship/Shore) handling multi-path transport across VDE-SAT, VDE-TER, and 4G/LTE. At the hardware layer, the Above Deck Unit serves as the 4G/LTE-capable modem that bridges ship systems into the network. Sternula also runs the AIS 2.0 Pilot Project as a testbed for maritime digitalization trials.

Sternula's revenue model combines recurring subscription revenue from global VDE-SAT connectivity services (delivering navigational warnings, weather bulletins, and other maritime safety information to maritime authorities and shipping companies) with hardware sales of AIS 2.0 terminals, MMS Proxy devices, and Above Deck Units. Go-to-market is enterprise-led: direct field sales to maritime authorities and vessel owners, supplemented by regional channel partners and joint ventures (notably Sternula Japan with TST Corporation), government-to-government MoUs and demonstration projects (NIMASA Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Bangladesh, AMSA, DEMA), and standards-driven ecosystem participation (VDES Alliance co-founder, ESA-funded VASIRA reference architecture project). Customer segments are verticalized around maritime authorities, vessel owners/shipping companies, and maritime service providers.

Name

Sternula

Legal name

Sternula A/S

Website

https://sternula.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Sternula is the world's first commercial provider of satellite-based AIS 2.0 (VDES) connectivity, serving maritime authorities, shipping companies, and maritime service providers with global LEO satellite communications, MMS-based messaging, and supporting shipboard hardware products.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Maritime Satellite Communications

NAICS

Satellite Telecommunications (51741), Satellite Telecommunications (5174), Satellite Telecommunications (517410)

SIC

Computer Communications Equipment (3576), Communications Services, Nec (4899)

akta.pro primary industry

Satellite Broadband Terminals & Gateways (VSAT/LEO CPE) (HDAFAIAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Marine Navigation Systems (ECDIS, Radar, GNSS, AIS) (IMAJAJAE), Navigation, Communications & Integrated Bridge Systems Engineering (IMAJAGAH)

Keywords

• Maritime satellite communications
• VDES connectivity services
• AIS 2.0 platform
• Maritime messaging service
• Ship-to-shore data exchange

Headquarters

HQ city

Aalborg

HQ country

Denmark

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Satellite VDES Connectivity Services: Sternula provides global VDE-SAT connectivity services for maritime authorities and industry using their fleet of LEO micro satellites. Services include navigational warnings, weather bulletins, and digital maritime information distribution.
2. AIS 2.0 Hardware Sales: Sale of AIS 2.0 terminals, MMS Proxy devices, and Above Deck Units to ship owners and maritime authorities for equipment installation on vessels.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Sternula provides global satellite-based AIS 2.0 (VDES) connectivity for maritime authorities, vessel owners, and maritime service providers, using a fleet of Low-Earth Orbit micro satellites. Its core offering is the VDE-SAT connectivity service, complemented by the Maritime Messaging Service (MMS), MMS Proxy edge routers (ship and shore variants), MMS Routing modules, and an Above Deck Unit (4G/LTE modem), plus an AIS 2.0 Pilot Project for real-world trials.

Product overview

Sternula is the world's first commercial provider of satellite-based AIS 2.0, operating as a platform-plus-modules architecture built around VDE-SAT (satellite connectivity) and MMS (Maritime Messaging Service). The core offering is VDE-SAT connectivity using a fleet of advanced micro satellites in Low-Earth Orbit, with the first satellite (Sternula-1) operational from early 2023. Supporting this are multiple MMS modules: MMS Proxy Ship (edge router for vessels), MMS Proxy Shore (coastal counterpart), MMS Routing Solution/Ship/Shore (for seamless multi-network routing over VDE-SAT, VDE-TER, and LTE), and the Above Deck Unit (4G/LTE modem for coastal connectivity). The AIS 2.0 Pilot Project provides a trial environment for testing all services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Sternula Japan: Joint venture between Sternula and TST Corporation for AIS 2.0 maritime digitalization in Japan
• MMS (Maritime Messaging Service)
• Sternula MMS Proxy
• Sternula Above Deck Unit

Products and services

• VDE-SAT (VDES Satellite Connectivity) Global satellite-based AIS 2.0 (VDES) connectivity service for maritime authorities and industry, delivered through a planned 60-satellite LEO micro-satellite constellation, with approximately 1,000 km coverage radius per satellite pass and 30x the data rate of legacy AIS.
• AIS 2.0 Pilot Project World's most ambitious maritime digitalization trial, enabling maritime authorities, ship owners, and service providers to test AIS 2.0 (VDES) technology and related services in real-world conditions.
• Navigational Warnings (MSI Over VDES) Project that integrated VDES into existing Maritime Safety Information (MSI) systems to modernize the dissemination of navigational warnings, weather alerts, and hazard information to vessels.
• Sternula MMS Proxy Ship Edge router hardware for vessels that directs maritime communications to exchange data and messages between authorized maritime stakeholders (maritime administrations, port management, ship crew) via MMS in an efficient and seamless manner.
• Sternula MMS Proxy Shore Shore-side counterpart of MMS Proxy Ship, enabling shore-to-ship maritime communications via MMS protocol from coastal infrastructure.
• Sternula MMS Routing Solution (with Ship and Shore modules) Smart routing solution enabling seamless maritime message routing over VDE-SAT, VDE-TER, and LTE networks using MMS Proxy, with separate Ship and Shore routing modules.
• Sternula Above Deck Unit (4G/LTE) Modem enabling a ship to connect with the MMS Proxy via AIS 2.0/VDES or 4G/LTE network when near shore, providing seamless connectivity transition between satellite and terrestrial networks.

Quantifiable outcome

• First VDES satellite operational from early 2023
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Affairs - Republic of GuineaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 June 2026High-level delegation visit to support Guinea's Simandou 2040 strategic vision, discussing potential role of AIS 2.0 in supporting maritime ambitions.
• VASIRA Consortium Partners (LusoSpace, Albatros-Tech, Bergmann Marine, Space Norway, AAC ClydeSpace)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 December 2025ESA-funded VASIRA project led by Sternula to define a European VDES reference architecture that federates multi-operator terrestrial systems and contributes to regulatory standardization.
• TST CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 November 2025Joint venture Sternula Japan formed with TST Corporation to meet growing demand for maritime digitalization in Japan. TST provides local market expertise and understanding of Japanese maritime landscape.
• VIVANTEXminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 October 2025MoU signed to bring VDES and Maritime Messaging Service (MMS) to Taiwan, enhancing safety, intelligence, and efficiency of the nation's maritime operations.
• Space NorwaycoreTechnology or Integration · 17 September 2025Strategic agreement on satellite VDES network access. Space Norway provides VDES satellite capacity from its payload on the Norwegian NorSat-2 satellite, while Sternula offers end-to-end AIS 2.0 connectivity through its network for maritime digital services.
• Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 April 2025MoU signed to introduce satellite-based AIS 2.0 (VDES) technology in Bangladesh for enhancing safety, efficiency, and digitalization of the country's maritime operations.
• Space Connect NorthcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 December 2024Industrial cluster dedicated to strengthening Northern Denmark's space and satellite communication sectors. Founding members include Aalborg University, Gatehouse Satcom, GOMSpace, Nokia, and other industry leaders.
• NIMASA (Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 March 2024MoU for development, launch, and operation of a Nigerian satellite network for maritime communications on the AIS 2.0 (VDES) standard. Network will complement Sternula's existing satellite infrastructure.
• MaDaMe Project Partners (Turku University of Applied Sciences, Novia University of Applied Sciences, Swedish Maritime Administration, Danish Maritime Authority, etc.)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2023Maritime Data Methods for Safe Shipping project developing common cyber-secure digital transport infrastructure services in the Baltic Sea Region, utilizing VDES and MCP technologies.
• SIMAC - Maritime Autonomous Reliable Systems (MARS) ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 June 2023Sternula providing VDES and MMS technology for MARS project - a cutting-edge platform for developing and testing autonomous maritime systems at SIMAC Svendborg International Maritime Academy.
• VDES AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 August 2022Sternula co-founded the VDES Alliance together with pioneering members in the maritime navigation and communication industry. The alliance aims to align minimum common technical parameters for VDES development and ensure system interoperability through interoperability tests.
• Danish Geodata AgencyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 May 2022Collaboration to develop crowd-sourced bathymetry solution exploiting existing echo sounders onboard ships. AIS 2.0 and other telecommunications technologies used to transport seafloor data.
• Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 July 2021Partnership to improve Sierra Leone's capabilities for digital implementation of key IMO instruments for navigation and safety at sea using satellite-based VDES technology.
• Ghana Maritime AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 June 2021Partnership for use of satellite-based VDES for navigational and safety-related purposes in Ghanaian waters as part of Ghana's plan to strengthen its maritime sector.
• ChartworldminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for demonstration of S-124 (Tsunami Warning) and S-421 (Route Plan Exchange) data transmissions on Chartworld's ECDIS capable of displaying S-100 data.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights8 records

Broad incumbents

• Inmarsat (Viasat): The dominant global provider of satellite communications to the maritime industry (now part of Viasat). Comparable because both deliver satellite-based connectivity to ships for operational and safety communications, though Inmarsat's portfolio is broader (Fleet Xpress, Fleet Safety) and currently IP-based rather than VDES.
• Iridium Communications: Operator of a LEO satellite constellation providing global voice and data services, including Iridium Certus for maritime. Comparable to Sternula in delivering global LEO-based maritime connectivity, with a far larger installed customer base and broader service portfolio.
• Thuraya (Yahsat): Mobile satellite services operator (now part of Yahsat) with maritime voice and data products. Comparable to Sternula as a satellite operator selling communications services to maritime users, though focused on L-band MSS rather than VDES/VHF.
• Kongsberg Maritime: Major supplier of maritime technology including navigation, communication, and autonomy systems. Comparable to Sternula because both serve maritime authorities and ship owners with safety-critical navigation and communication technology, and Kongsberg is a likely integrator or competitor in VDES-based bridge systems.

Emerging players

• Kepler Communications: Canadian LEO satellite operator providing data connectivity for maritime, IoT, and enterprise customers. Comparable to Sternula as a small, well-funded LEO operator targeting maritime connectivity, though Kepler's focus is broader (Store-and-Forward, Ku-band data relay) rather than VDES-specific.
• Astrocast: Operator of a LEO nanosatellite constellation for IoT connectivity, with maritime as a target vertical. Comparable to Sternula as a small LEO satellite IoT operator pursuing maritime and industrial customers, though focused on asset tracking and sensor data rather than VDES-based maritime safety messaging.

Direct peers

• Marlink: A leading independent provider of maritime satellite communications and managed connectivity services. Comparable to Sternula because both sell connectivity solutions to ship owners and maritime authorities, although Marlink focuses on multi-network aggregation across incumbent satellite operators rather than operating its own LEO VDES constellation.
• ORBCOMM: Provider of IoT and M2M satellite connectivity, with a strong presence in maritime vessel tracking and asset management. Comparable to Sternula because both target maritime IoT use cases with low-data-rate satellite connectivity, though ORBCOMM uses its own proprietary LEO constellation and terrestrial networks.
• KVH Industries: Provider of satellite communications (mini-VSAT Broadband) and content services to the maritime industry. Comparable to Sternula as a maritime-focused connectivity provider, though KVH's technology is based on traditional VSAT rather than VDES/LEO.
• Space Norway: Norwegian state-owned satellite operator and Sternula's strategic partner for VDES space-segment capacity (NorSat-2). Comparable as the only other operational VDES satellite operator, providing direct interoperability and capacity-sharing exposure to the same AIS 2.0 ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/sternula
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCi7kZg6zJgT1dFVl6GhzWmg
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sternula

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors3 records

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sternula