Furuno PS-100 Navigation Station with Napa Voyage Optimization (source: Napa)
May 27, 2022by Martyn Wingrove
Ships equipped with Furuno Electric navigation equipment could use software to optimize voyages following agreement with Napa
Furuno will integrate Napa Voyage Optimization into its new PS-100 Passage Planning Station, enabling weather routing and better route management. The PS-100 is currently under development for voyage planning, monitoring and briefing on ship decks.
Furuno said the PS-100 will improve the efficiency and safety of vessel operations and the productivity of deck crews, allowing functions previously performed around paper charts for route planning to be supplemented with electronic charts. displayed on a touch screen interface.
Napa software integration will allow deck crews to select optimal routes to reduce fuel consumption at an allocated arrival time and speed.
Napa software uses proprietary performance models to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and bunker costs for owners. These can be graphically displayed and interacted with on the Furuno PS-100 planning station.
The PS-100 can consolidate and display information for voyage planning, monitoring and management, including vessel navigation data, radar echoes and target information, AIS and weather information, routes and users’ electronic charts and provide recommendations for optimized travel between ports.
“This development is the latest step in a long-term collaborative agreement between Furuno and Napa to support the digitalization of vessel operations,” said Kazuma Waimatsu, Chief Executive Officer of Furuno.
“By combining our expertise in the field, we intend to generate new advantages and significant benefits for shipowners through innovative technologies.”
Furuno continues to develop new functions in the PS-100, helping shore managers optimize and monitor vessel routing by acquiring, monitoring and displaying information about vessels managed from shore via the internet connectivity of the vessel.
“It’s a fantastic example of how better connectivity, powerful 3D modeling capabilities and innovative hardware can combine to take travel optimization to a new level,” said Pekka Pakkanen, Executive Vice President of Napa Shipping Solutions.
“By combining Furuno’s navigation equipment and services with Napa’s operational performance optimization solutions, we will help transportation, ship management and shipowner companies improve the efficiency of their operations, reduce fuel costs and CO2 emissions, improve crew productivity and optimize vessel management from shore.
Napa Voyage Optimization will be an optional feature that requires a separate contract between Furuno and the owner.
