China Navigation Installs BMT System

China Navigation has reportedly become the first cape-size bulk carrier operator to install an automatic interface between a bulk carrier hull stress monitoring system and a vessel's loading instrument. The system, developed by British Maritime Technology (BMT), was fitted to the 162,000-dwtChinaNavigation carrier Erradale while the vessel was docked in Immingham— and, saidDavid Mitchell, fleet manager for China Navigation, was a direct response to the recent call by the IMO Maritime Safety Committee for the introduction of interfaced systems which prevent the inadvertent structural overloading of bulk carriers.

"We are always looking for ways to improve safety procedures and this BMT system is a significant addition to the onboard monitoring systems already in place," he said. Previously, the£rra<ia/eoperated with a BMT SMART for Windows stress monitoring system, developed by BMT SeaTech and Shipboard Informatics SEAMASTER/SEADAM damage response software.

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