Willy Zeiler News

The Norwegian Coastal Administration (NCA) has initiated the first full-scale trial of e-navigation in Norwegian waters in conjunction with e-navigation technology and services company NAVTOR. The test sees the ferry MS Stavangerfjord digitally sharing its routing information with NCA via NAVTOR’s NavStation ‘digital chart table’. The project focuses on the way NCA receives vessel data. Until now, ships had to contact the authority via maritime VHF radio to verbally communicate routing information before both departure and arrival.

Odfjell will roll out NAVTOR e-navigation solutions throughout its entire fleet, a move that aims to increase operational efficiency while reducing the number of man-hours spent on administration across the ship owner’s 50 deep-sea vessels. E-navigation specialist NAVTOR will facilitate Odfjell’s transition from paper charts to paperless navigation, ensuring its vessels meet the class deadline for compliance with the IMO’s ECDIS mandate July 2015. The 40,000 dwt Bow Sky is the first ship to adopt NAVTOR’s AVCS service, with a further roll out planned throughout Q1 and Q2 2015.

Touch screen technology has transformed everyday life and now, thanks to Norwegian e-navigation specialist NAVTOR, it is set to revolutionize operations onboard busy vessel bridges. Today sees the launch of the NAVTOR NavStation, the world’s first ‘Digital Chart Table’ and a breakthrough in bridge-based decision making tools. NavStation combines unique software with an optional 46inch ‘gigapad’ touch device, giving navigators an intuitive and user-friendly interface to plan optimal vessel routes.

E-navigation specialist NAVTOR has signed a landmark fleet agreement with DOF Management, the owner and operator of 78 advanced offshore service vessels. The deal will see NAVTOR’s innovative and user-friendly ENC service rolling out across DOF’s high-end CSVs, PSVs and AHTS vessels [Construction Support Vessels (CSVs), Platform Support Vessels (PSVs) and Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessels (AHTS)], which operate in all key oil and gas regions worldwide. DOF has a 30-year track record of success in providing cutting-edge vessels to some of the biggest names in the energy industry.

E-navigation specialist Navtor  has secured arguably one of its most high-profile customers to date, with the news that the entire Hurtigruten fleet has signed up to use its innovative ENC Service. The agreement has been reached ahead of the July 2014 deadline for existing passenger vessels to conform with IMO’s ECDIS Carriage Requirement (ECDIS Mandate). Hurtigruten, translating as ‘the express route,’ is one of Norway’s most iconic shipping brand. Established 120 years ago, the fleet serves the country’s west and northern coastline…

E-navigation company NAVTOR has announced the introduction of NavSync, marking an important step change in the way that navigators can gain access to the very latest Electronic Navigation Charts (ENCs). NavSync allows the most up to date versions of the charts to be uploaded directly to the ECDIS from a USB device. Simple. Without the NavSync, navigators face the time consuming task of working out exactly which ENCs they require for journeys, ordering them in advance and then uploading them from CDs that are posted out to them. Not so simple. The system has been developed to work in tandem with NAVTOR’s recently launched “Pay As You Sail” DNV-approved ENC Service, which allows access to charts through a subscription-based model.

C-MAP Norway reports increased demand for the weather forecasting service developed by C-MAP Marine Forecast, a business unit of C-MAP Norway. C-MAP Norway confirmed today that Green Charter, a business unit of the Bergen-based Green Reefers, recently ordered a subscription to the WeatherViewTM service for eight vessels. According to C-MAP marketing manager Willy Zeiler, the contract is further proof that the shipping industry has recognised the value of the weather forecasting service. "We are confident that as the industry becomes familiar with the innovative functionality and customised presentation of WeatherviewTM, demand will continue to rise," he says. The order placed by Green Reefers followed extensive testing about two of the company's vessels, Green Frost and Green Ice.