Class B Transponder

GPS Option Available on AIS

Saab TransponderTech introduced a new type-approved GPS as an integrated part of the R4 ship AIS transponder system. Gunnar Mangs, business director for mobile systems, said, “This fully compliant GPS receiver is intended to provide a fully qualified backup to the SOLAS class ship’s main DGPS, and adds GPS navigation functionality to the AIS transponder. It will also become an excellent complete combined AIS and GPS solution for many non-SOLAS applications.” The GPS receiver is embedded inside the R4 transponder. It provides the necessary GPS outputs to the AIS, and also provides navigation functions on the R4 display unit. The unit is fully compliant with IMO and IEC specifications for shipboard GPS, including RAIM (Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring). An external IALA DGPS beacon receiver can be connected as an option. Existing Saab R4 AIS installations can be retrofitted with the new transponder module containing the new GPS receiver and a software upgrade.

Unique Maritime adds Kongsberg to Inventory

Unique Maritime Group Adds the  Kongsberg cNODE family of transponders to its Rental fleet. Unique Maritime Group has announced the introduction of the Kongsberg cNODE family of transponders to their  rental pool inventory. The cNODE transponders are for underwater acoustic positioning and data link that can use both the traditional frequency shift (FSK) modulation technique and the new Cymbal acoustic protocol which utilizes wideband Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)

VTS Plans for New Orleans

The USCG will release a proposed rule requiring transponders and electronic charts on most vessels operating in the New Orleans VTS zone. Project officers outlined their plans at a meeting of the Lower Mississippi River Waterway Safety Advisory Committee. Under the new VTS system, vessels will use Automatic Identification System (AIS) technology, including transponders and electronic charts, to locate and identify other vessels in their vicinity

Professional Society Honors Navy Engineer

The National Society of Professional Engineers selected Dr. Eugene Camponeschi as a top ten finalist as part of its 28th Annual Federal Engineer of the Year Award Program. NSPE recognizes him for achievements in the field of composites and structures research. Accomplishments include contributing to development of the successful advanced enclosed composite mast, now appearing on USS San Antonio (LPD 17) Class amphibious ships

Kongsberg Updates for Ocean Business 2013

Alongside the unveiling of a new AUV, Kongsberg Maritime will introduce a new variant of its state-of-the-art EM 2040 multibeam echo sounder during Ocean Business 2013 in April (stand N1). Ocean Business is the ideal launch platform for both new products, which are designed to offer significant new application possibilities for the subsea and survey industry. Other highlights from the leading subsea technology developer during Ocean Business include the return of the popular Kongsberg

Bone Joins EBDG

Jason Bone has joined the staff of Elliott Bay Design Group (EBDG) as an Engineer. A recent graduate of University of Michigan, Bone holds a B.S. in Engineering and a Masters of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, specializing in marine structures. Prior to joining the firm, Bone completed internships at Avondale Shipyard working on new oil tanker construction and CSC's Advanced Marine Division

Furuno Supplies 300 AIS Units to Tidewater

Furuno won a contract to supply more than 300 of its FA100 Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) to Tidewater Marine, Inc., the world’s largest offshore service company. The FA100 is a complete AIS solution provided in a compact, single unit, which includes the IMO compliant MKD (Minimum Keyboard Display), AIS Transponder and GPS Receiver. The FA100 is designed for simplified installations and low cost maintenance. A typical system configuration requires only the Furuno compact MKD

Saab TransponderTech Wins Order For AIS

Saab TransponderTech, Solna Sweden has been awarded a contract for an AIS transponder System to the Shetland Islands. The AIS system comprises two Base Stations to be integrated into the already exsiting Norcontrol IT VTS Centre in Sullom Voe. Saab Transpondertech is the main contractor and is responsible for delivery of equipment as well as integration and commissioning. The system meets the internationally adopted AIS Standard ITU 1371-1.

Bills of Lading Internet Fraud Warning

The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) warns against fraudulent cargo tracking websites. Such sites have been created and improved over the years to add legitimacy for fraudsters to entrap their would-be victims. This is particularly true for containerised shipments, where convincing tracking websites highlight the degree of sophistication employed. A recent example, investigated by the Bureau, illustrates how such online confirmations – whilst appearing convincing –

Austal USA Names Spiegel COO

Austal announced the appointment of Dan Spiegel to the position of Chief Operating Officer for Austal’s Mobile, Ala., shipyard. Spiegel, his wife and their three children have relocated to the Mobile area from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Spiegel holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Michigan and an MBA from Indiana University. He brings to Austal a successful career background that includes over 20 years of management experience in the manufacturing industry.