This project is conceived at analysing a secured communication link between a space-based system and a maritime system. The final goal is to serve autonomous navigation vessels, with a possible extension to other smart commercial maritime services and to favour the process towards a highly and full digitalisation of the Port system. The autonomous ship is here considered from an operating point of view, although quite simple and with the purpose of understanding the impact on the telecommunication system. The initial focus is on three possible telecommunication solutions:

1. A pure quantum solution, involving only optical communication systems;
2. A pure RF solution, involving only traditional Radio Frequency communication systems;
3. A hybrid quantum – RF solution, involving an RF communication systems combined with a QKD payload.