Features: - Tanker Operator

TECHNOLOGY - NAVAIDS
Electronic passage plan
initiative introduced
The UKHO has launched the Admiralty e-avigator service,
which is claimed to be the first in a series of enhancements to be launched
by the hydrographic office as aids to navigation.
is the first phase of our
vision”, UKHO CEO
Mike Robinson explained.
“This
“Maritime navigation is
undergoing a fundamental shift, from paper to
digital, from protective to proactive
navigation. It is moving beyond the basic
avoidance of risk towards the IMO’s vision of
e-navigation, which will deliver enhanced
services to the mariner. The UKHO is at the
forefront of bringing that vision to life.
Admiralty e-Navigator will provide seafarers
with not just navigational data, but
intelligence, which significantly improves
their ability to sail safely and efficiently.”
Talking of efficiency, he also thought that
on board and ashore operational efficiency
was now a key business objective in shipping
as was the drive to cut costs. Another problem
facing the industry was how to deal with the
shortage of skilled seafarers.
e-Navigator was described by Robinson as a
harmonised collection, integration, exchange,
presentation and analysis of maritime
information for both on board ship and ashore,
thus saving time and money.
One of its prime functions was to bring all
the data together electronically in order to
execute a passage plan. New products can be
accessed instantly and, if appropriate,
transferred to the front of bridge ECDIS for
the execution of the voyage.
As well as tide and weather data, one of the
first new digital products available in e-
Navigator is Admiralty Information Overlay
(AIO), the only global digital service that
includes worldwide Temporary and
Preliminary Notices to Mariners. Combined
with Admiralty Vector Chart Service (AVCS),
November/December 2009 TANKEROperator 43