Thermal imaging aids navigation in Spain
FLIR Systems input into the commercialisation of thermal imaging has allowed marine electronics specialist Redcai S.A. to add considerable value to the service it provides by bringing FLIRs thermal imaging expertise to a much wider customer base.
Redcai S.A designs, manufactures and installs navigation and communication equipment throughout the Spanish marine industries. FLIR Systems’ thermal imaging isn’t new to its product programme but the technology has been relatively elitist until now.
Global demand for FLIR Systems’ products has brought greater manufacturing economy and this evolution has in turn allowed FLIR Systems’ distributor Redcai to extend its product offering with a choice of infrared cameras able to match a range of applications and budgets.
Redcai was established in 1979 by L.M. Legazpi, a former radio officer in the Spanish Merchant Navy, to provide the expertise to improve communication, security and safety at sea. Just a year away from its 30th anniversary, Redcai is extremely well established in the Spanish deep sea market, with customers ranging from the private owner to ship builders and the Government.
With its headquarters in Madrid, it has additional bases in Vigo, Cadiz, Valencia, Barcelona, Bilbao and Las Palmas on Gran Canaria. The company’s scope of application is therefore vast but as Clara Martínez-Legazpi Aguiló says, particular sectors will benefit the most from affordable infrared.
‘Thermal imaging aids navigation, security and on board-safety, she explained ‘It is therefore ideal for patrol boats operated by the police, customs and the search and rescue services as well as cargo boats, tugs and merchant vessels.’
In many cases a thermal imaging camera makes a daylight camera redundant and it can easily be integrated into existing systems. Clara added, ‘There’s rarely much space on the bridge of a working vessel but this is not a problem for a FLIR Systems’ infrared camera as it connects to any existing multi-function display.’
Ferries are another target market for Redcai as thermal imaging provides good situational awareness at sea and in port when passengers and cars are disembarking.
