Fa100 Automatic Identification Systems News

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, junction box, standard GPS antenna and an AIS-VHF antenna to complete the installation.

Furuno USA, the largest U.S. supplier of GMDSS equipment, was awarded a contract to supply over 250 of its FA100 Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) to Houston-based Kirby Inland Marine, LP, a subsidiary of publicly traded (NYSE) Kirby Corporation. Kirby Inland Marine operates the nation’s largest fleet of inland tank barges and towing vessels. They transport a variety of petrochemicals, refined products, black oils and agricultural chemicals efficiently and safely throughout the inland waterways of the United States. Kirby operates 882 active inland tank barges and 226 active towing vessels. In order to bring their applicable vessels into compliance with new Maritime Security requirements, Kirby Inland Marine and Furuno joined forces to retrofit their vessels with Furuno’s FA100.