Fugro has introduced a new service to its range of satellite positioning systems. Oceanstar™ is an onboard decision support system that has been developed to improve navigational safety and reduce the operating costs of commercial vessels such as cruise ships, container ships, ferries, ro-ro vessels, bulk carriers and tankers.

The Oceanstar high performance navigation and manoeuvring system enhances navigation integrity, berthing safety and ship energy efficiency management and helps to reduce a vessel’s environmental footprint. During berthing manoeuvres it provides essential information including approach speeds, rate of turn and even distances to the berth. In addition to supporting safer berthing, Oceanstar can reduce a cruise ship’s berthing process by up to 30 minutes each time, allowing passengers more time ashore.

The new decision support system incorporates approved and “Wheel Mark” certified functions such as differential GNSS (DGNSS), speed and distance measurement device (SDMD), transmitting heading device (THD) and rate of turn indicator (ROT). The system can be tailored to particular requirements and market environments to ensure a cost effective, fit-for-purpose solution.

To assist with navigation in confined waters, and based on Fugro’s high accuracy GNSS solutions, the system calculates accurate heading, rate of turn, ground speed ahead/astern and speed athwart ships at the bow and stern, as well as distances. The information can be viewed on system displays that can be positioned anywhere on the bridge including the conning position and bridge wings. Alternatively, the functions can be embedded for display in compatible integrated bridge systems.

“Vessels of all types, and in particular passenger cruise ships and container ships, are becoming ever larger,” says Leif Morten By, Product Manager for Oceanstar. “Larger vessels mean less room for manoeuvring, so assistance with accurate quay and terminal approach information can be crucial. Our Oceanstar system provides exactly this type of information to captains and pilots during berthing manoeuvres.”

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