When it comes to smart navigation, shipping companies need to look beyond ECDIS to gain the most from e-navigation. ECDIS is mandatory on board merchant ships, over 3,000 gt for tankers and 10,000 gt for bulk carriers, with more vessels using electronic navigational charts (ENCs) for navigation. Many ships still use paper charts as a back up to ECDIS but shipping companies are increasingly adopting paperless navigation.
Many have taken the next step by implementing electronic voyage planning using ECDIS or a back-of-bridge electronic workstation. Others use weather routeing to optimise voyages, sometimes from shore with the results sent to ship masters as advice for fuel-efficient sailing.
A further step being developed and piloted involves electronic data exchange between ships, ports and vessel traffic systems (VTS) in ports. Benefits include optimised route planning, reduced operating expenditure and emissions, while there is less administration on ships and more control over fleet performance from shore.
Another important benefit is improved safety, especially in densely navigated areas where poor communications can cause accidents. These can have extreme impacts on seafarer life, the environment and owners’ assets and cargo. Which is why measures to improve navigation safety through better data exchange are essential to reduce accidents.
Source: Riviera (Click for further of the article)
Many have taken the next step by implementing electronic voyage planning using ECDIS or a back-of-bridge electronic workstation. Others use weather routeing to optimise voyages, sometimes from shore with the results sent to ship masters as advice for fuel-efficient sailing.
A further step being developed and piloted involves electronic data exchange between ships, ports and vessel traffic systems (VTS) in ports. Benefits include optimised route planning, reduced operating expenditure and emissions, while there is less administration on ships and more control over fleet performance from shore.
Another important benefit is improved safety, especially in densely navigated areas where poor communications can cause accidents. These can have extreme impacts on seafarer life, the environment and owners’ assets and cargo. Which is why measures to improve navigation safety through better data exchange are essential to reduce accidents.
Source: Riviera (Click for further of the article)