Navigation

The Navigation Module is aimed specifically at the operator on the bridge. Its purpose is to make navigation as easy and efficient as possible. It gives a complete overview of the navigational data and important fuel indexes.

The Module gathers, analyzes and displays GPS, weather and sea-state information, generates recommendations on operational improvements, and allows the operator to quickly observe how to improve the vessel's energy efficiency with respect to navigation.

The Navigation Data Acquisition and Logging is connected to bridge equipment, such as GPS equipment and weather station, as well as to the Alarm System for basic energy consumption information.

The Module display is split into three monitoring sections: Overview, Voyaging, and Weather & Sea.

An example of the Navigation Module.

In the Overview section, measured navigational values are compared with proposed optimal navigational values. Speed (log and GPS), fuel consumption rate and fuel cost rate are examples of such values. In the Voyaging section, plans for the current voyage are displayed and compared with measured values. This section is dependent on the Voyages Unit. Accumulated fuel consumption and the fuel cost of the ongoing voyage and voyage leg are examples of the values displayed in this section. The Weather & Sea section displays information about wind and waves and the effects these parameters have on the energy efficiency of the vessel.

The Decision Support for the Module relies partly on the Voyages Unit and communicates as well with the Propulsion Module. It uses measured data along with its own mathematical models and optimization algorithms to analyze the performance and find the optimal navigational profile. Optimal values and recommendations regarding parameter adjustments are shown in the module display. Recommendations contain information about the current operation and settings, and inform the operator of what could be gained by changing the parameters to certain values.