Northrop Grumman Supplies IBS for Norway Ferries

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has supplied the integrated bridge systems (IBS) for two new high-speed passenger ferries for the Norwegian ferry operator Fjord1 Fylkesbaatane.

Each of the vessels has been fitted with a complete suite of Northrop Grumman’s Sperry Marine VisionMaster FT navigation electronics including radars, electronic chart display and information system, autopilot, gyrocompass, DGPS, gyrocompass, speed log and other sensors. The system components are connected via an Ethernet network to provide a fully integrated picture for the bridge watchstanders on multi-function workstations.

The suites were installed by the company Sigurd Solberg AS Florø, Norway. The 124.6-ft carbon-fiber composite catamarans built by Brødrene Aa shipyard in Hyen, Norway are designed for 300 passengers with a service speed of 32-34 knots. Fjord1 is placing the ships into service on its ferry routes connecting ports along Norway’s rugged west coast.

“The Sperry Marine IBS for the Fjord1 ferries are fully type approved to comply with International Maritime Organization high-speed code,” said J. Nolasco DaCunha, vice president of Naval Systems International at Northrop Grumman’s Naval and Marine Systems Division.