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exactEarth Signs Danish Maritime Safety Administration To Paid Trial Of Space-Based AIS Data Service


Published on 2009-12-16 13:03:13 - Market Wire
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CAMBRIDGE, ON, Dec. 16 /CNW/ - exactEarth Ltd., the data services subsidiary of COM DEV International Ltd. (TSX: CDV), today announced that it has entered into an agreement to provide its space-based Automatic Identification System (S-AIS) service, exactAIS(TM), to the Danish Maritime Safety Administration (DaMSA) on a paid trial basis. Under the agreement, exactEarth will provide DaMSA with an S-AIS data feed and value-added services for a limited time commencing with the launch of its first operational satellite in the second quarter of 2010.

"We are very excited to have signed our first international government customer," said Peter Mabson, President of exactEarth. "DaMSA has long been a pioneer and a leader in the use of AIS technology, and we are pleased to have their endorsement in hand as we continue to pursue additional customers."

DaMSA, a department of the Danish Ministry of Defence, has significant experience in the deployment of terrestrial AIS systems. Its objectives in purchasing S-AIS data include enhancing its global ship tracking abilities, improving its ability to perform maritime risk assessment and Aids to Navigation planning, particularly in the Arctic region, as well as improving Search and Rescue operations.

"We are very interested in the potential to augment our existing sources of data on maritime traffic through exactEarth's unique global coverage and very high detection rates," said Omar Frits Eriksson, head of DaMSA's innovation and project division. "We hope to use the trial data to advance our knowledge of space-based AIS capabilities and develop expertise which we can ultimately pass on to other nations that share our goals."

exactEarth is currently making its exactAIS(TM) trial program available to a limited number of maritime authorities around the world.

"We are seeing strong interest in our trial program, which is designed to enable customers to experience the benefits of exactAIS for a relatively small financial commitment," said Peter Mabson. "We are confident that most, if not all of these users will sign on for longer-term service contracts once they have had the chance to work with our service and develop their own concepts of operations."

About DaMSA

The Danish Maritime Safety Administration operates with a vision of making Danish waters the safest place to sail in the world. It is concerned with the safety and security of people, the environment, ships and their cargoes. DaMSA's mandate includes provision of Aids to Navigation and pilotage, collection of hydrographical and oceanographic data, collection and promulgation of Maritime Safety Information, publication of nautical information and forecasts as well as the operation of a large Coastal Search and Rescue Service. DaMSA was formed as an agency under the Danish Ministry of Defence in 1973 and traces its roots back to the 16th century. For more information visit [ http://frv.dk/en ].

About exactEarth Ltd.

exactEarth Ltd. ([ www.exactEarth.com ]) is a data services company that leverages advanced microsatellite technology to deliver monitoring solutions characterized by high performance, reliability, security, and simplicity. exactEarth's initial service, exactAIS(TM), is a global vessel tracking and monitoring system based on world leading space-based advanced AIS detection technology. Based in Cambridge, ON, Canada, exactEarth is a subsidiary of COM DEV International Ltd., a leading global designer and manufacturer of space hardware subsystems.

This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from results indicated in any forward-looking statements. COM DEV International ("the Company") cautions that, among other things, in view of the rapid changes in communications markets and technologies, and other risks including the cost and market acceptance of the company's new products, the level of individual customer procurements and competitive product offerings and pricing, and general economic circumstances, the Company's business prospects may be materially different from forward-looking statements made by the Company.

The exactEarth logos and the words exactEarth and exactAIS are trademarks and the property of exactEarth Ltd. The triangular logo and the word COM DEV are each registered trademarks and the property of COM DEV Ltd. All rights reserved.

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