NYK has completely developed a ship bridge based on its new concept and it is ready to be deployed on a large container ship.
Key aspects
The model is capable of being integrated with information and bridge system that has been optimally and ergonomically arranged and designed to take advantage of the Internet of Things aspects of instruments and to improve the safety and efficiency of vessel operation.
Human error main cause of accidents
According to NYK, half of the marine accidents are caused due to human error and the company is keen on finding ways to improve the bridge, enhance navigational watch efficiency and decrease mistakes since 2007.
The newly developed concept makes use of an integrated console that is about two-thirds the size of a conventional one and enables officers to check essential navigational information and navigate the vessel at the same time and moreover, NYK assured that seat helps the officers better grasp the situation around the ship.
Autopilot system
NYK said, “A joystick-type autopilot system for navigation has been adopted to better avoid collisions with other vessels and help officers in a sitting position easily maneuver the vessel. Moreover, a mini manual wheel has been installed on the console for steering in an emergency, taking safety into consideration”.
The company further added, “The new bridge has been equipped with larger windows, and the gap between the windows has been minimized to reduce dead visibility angles. Wipers are now operated by remote control. And the shape of the bridge has been optimized to ensure clear sight from a sitting position. The layout has also been enhanced to improve the work environment and reduce weariness during navigational watches. At the bridge wing, a narrow walkway extends outward from both sides of a pilothouse, allowing the ship to be maneuvered for entering and leaving harbors and berthing and unberthing operations. The wing is equipped with an integrated control stand that can remotely control the main propulsion, rudder and bow thruster”.
Joint development venture
The ship navigation support tool ‘J-Marine NeCST’ has been jointly developed by NYK, MTI Co. Ltd. and Japan Radio Co. Ltd. to make briefings among the officers and the pilot more efficient, and also has been installed on the bridge.
NYK said, “This will help improve bridge resource management, even when many officers are on the bridge conducting navigational watches during heavy vessel traffic. We have decided to adopt the new bridge on pure car and truck carriers and crude oil tankers. It also plans to make use of the advancement as it looks ahead to manned autonomous ships”.
CG (above)
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Courtesy of Japan Radio Co. Ltd.
CG (right front)
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Courtesy of Japan Radio Co. Ltd.
CG (whole)
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Courtesy of Japan Radio Co. Ltd.
Actual photo (left front)
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Actual photo (console)
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Actual photo (wing-outside)
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Actual photo (wing-inside)
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Source: NYK
