The sea trials are the latest phase of e-Navigator’s extensive development programme. The trials will ensure that each stage of the installation, deployment and operation of e-Navigator meets the requirements of shipping companies and crews wherever they are in the world.
The UKHO has worked closely with mariners and shipping companies throughout the development of e-Navigator, and their feedback and input will help ensure the service meets our standards for ease-of-use and makes every stage of navigation and fleet management smarter, simpler and safer.
As part of that process, e-Navigator has been installed on a range of vessels, from large bulk carriers to small coastal vessels and passenger liners, to demonstrate its capabilities across a variety of different conditions on some of the world’s busiest trading routes. The vessels come from a range of fleet operators including Arklow Shipping, Hachiuma Steamship, Lauranne Shipping, North Sea Tankers, Princess Cruises, Shunzuan Kaiun, Stolt Nielson and Torm.
The initial results have already demonstrated how e-Navigator can be installed on the back of bridge PC in just a few minutes, delivering instant access to all the relevant information mariners need at any stage of voyage planning or execution. Trialists have also reported that the centralised access to chart holdings can have a significant impact on their passage planning workload.
The UKHO is delighted that already, both mariners and their shore-based colleagues are seeing the positive impact it will have on navigational operations. We expect to have further updates in the next newsletter.