Prior to installation of the Nacos assembly, crew navigators underwent a week of training at the SAM Electronics training centre in Bremen where they were instructed in use of the complete bridge system in addition to receiving required ECDIS certification as part of conditions for paperless operation defined by the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency. The MCA’s requirements specified that mariners using the type-approved Chartpilot ECDIS sub-unit and associated back-up should be properly trained at both generic and type-specific levels.

Similar Nacos 65-4 configurations featuring fully integrated ECDIS and radar operation as well as automated track control and voyage planning facilities are also being fitted to Everard’s sister ships Seniority, Superiority, and Supremity. All four tankers are designed for operation in European waters for which there is now almost complete Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) coverage. In those areas not wholly covered by ENCs, such as southern Ireland, raster versions can be used supplemented by a reduced number of 37 paper charts.

Apart from the MCA, naval architects Skipskonsulent of Norway and Lloyd’s Register of Shipping have been among organisations to have collaborated with F T Everard in the design of what are claimed to be the world’s most environmentally friendly ships of their type.

By DAVID GOODFELLOW