Sperry Marine to Supply for New Buoy Tender

Schelde Naval Shipbuilding has placed an order with Northrop Grumman Corporation's Sperry Marine business unit for a complete suite of bridge electronics to be installed on a new buoy tender being built for the Middle East Navigation Aids Service (MENAS). Sperry Marine will supply a fully integrated bridge system with electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS), dual interswitched BridgeMaster E radars, voyage data recorder, automatic identification system, dual gyrocompasses, autopilot, dual-axis Doppler speed log, echosounder, dual DGPS receivers, GMDSS A3 communication station, Fleet 77 satellite communication terminal, helicopter beacon and helicopter radio. Sperry Marine will also provide support for installation, commissioning, sea trials and operator training. The new 2,500 gross ton buoy tender (NB 394) is under construction at the Schelde Naval Shipbuilding yard in Vlissingen, Holland, and is scheduled for completion in 2004. While the ship is designed primarily as a buoy tender, the capability has been extended to be able to carry out hydrographic surveys, oil pollution control and clean-up activities.