e-Navigator offers shipping a new direction
The International Maritime Organisation’ s definition of e-navigation equates to the harmonised collection, integration, exchange, presentation and analysis of maritime information onboard and ashore by electronic means to enhance berth to berth navigation and related services, for safety at sea and protection of the marine environment.
The launch of UKHO’s Admiralty e-Navigator brings that vision one step closer. It is designed to make every stage of navigation and fleet management smarter, simpler and safer by presenting a single real-time view of the marine environment to the mariner and their shore based managers. Admiralty e-Navigator optimises all aspects of bridge operations and allows the mariner to organise all Admiralty products and services in one place to make them easier to view, use, manage and maintain. They can select the right mix of digital or paper charts for each vessel for maximum efficiency and value for money, and order Admiralty products, from on-board or ashore, easily and simply, at any time, day or night.
The ability to manage paper and digital holdings is just the first stage. Admiralty e-Navigator will also enable true voyage optimisation.
By integrating multiple data streams, such as tide, weather and other related information, Admiralty e-Navigator will enable mariners to respond to a broad range of environmental factors in real time through a single interface. It will cut the complexities of voyage planning, optimise sailing and port turnaround times for shipping companies and deliver real operational efficiencies. For the very first time, accurate berth to berth information will be available through one user friendly application, enabling better informed decision making for enhanced safety and better economics.
Early sea trials of Admiralty e-Navigator suggest that it has a significant impact. One vessel was able to travel consistently one knot faster on the same fuel load, saving 900NM over a 12 hour period. On a fuel related basis, that equates to a saving of more than $6,000 on every voyage. Extrapolating that data into a global perspective sees the ability to save 49m barrels of fuel oil, or the equivalent of $3.2bn, and reduce CO2 emissions by 7.5m tons per year.
