New NACOS Platinum Vessel Control Systems

Hamburg-based SAM Electronics, an L-3 Communications company, has introduced a range of new-generation vessel control systems combining navigation, automation and control functions, NACOS Platinum.  Jointly developed with Lyngsø Marine of Denmark and L-3 Valmarine of Norway, the series provides a full range of functionality for vessels of all types and sizes while ensuring unprecedented levels of usability and scalability.  The first public showing of a system will be on SAM Electronics’ stand at Europort in Rotterdam from 3-6 November.

The entire range of the NACOS Platinum series is based on identical components and a common network.  They support a complete portfolio of Radarpilot, Ecdispilot, Trackpilot and Conning functions in addition to those for Alarm, Monitoring and Control, Propulsion Control and Power Management as well as other requirements.

The combination of networked architecture and use of modular components ensures unrivalled levels of system scalability.  Based on a new platform concept, solutions can extend from a small alarm system or a stand-alone ECDIS to very large, complex configurations for highly advanced vessels.  Moreover, any system can be easily expanded, upgraded or modified to provide increased functionality.  Versatility of the series is evidenced by a new IP radar which, by direct connection to a ship’s own IP network, enables complete radar images to be accessible from any workstation.  Similarly, ECDIS displays can be made available for viewing in an engine control room, the Captain’s office or any other ship area.

A key concept of the NACOS Platinum series is that all products have been developed observing User Centred Design principles.  Drawing on SAM Electronics’ 50-year expertise and that of leading international Human Factors institutes, a very ambitious collaborative design process has resulted in the development of a Human Machine Interface (HMI) which is uniquely intuitive, transparent and completely consistent across the full range of products.  This results in systems which are ultra-efficient and easy to operate by providing unrivalled overviews and simplicity of operation, enabling crews to concentrate on managing ships safely without any undue distraction or stress.

Other main advantages of the Platinum series with its system-wide use of standardised hardware and software components include significantly improved quality and reliability of configurations.  Similarly, maintenance requirements are greatly simplified with a much-reduced requirement for spare parts, while continuity of operation is assured by extensive self-monitoring facilities supported by online diagnostics.

(www.sam-electronics.de)