36 | BRIDGE SYSTEMS
New bridge systems enable advanced e-navigation
New bridge products from JRC subsidiary Alphatron, Praxis, Navico and Sperry Marine were unveiled during Q4 2017
Alphatron unveiled its latest version of AlphaBridge at the Europort exhibition, Rotterdam, in November 2017
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anufacturers are developing bridge systems with greater levels of integration that can be used for future e-navigation applications. This latest generation of bridge electronics has simpler network architecture and more flexibility with integrated workstations that can be used for more advanced navigation and alarm monitoring applications than has been possible before. For example, Japan Radio Co (JRC) subsidiary Alphatron Marine introduced an integrated bridge system for workboats and commercial ships in October 2017 that was designed to be simple to use. This latest version of its AlphaBridge is designed and integrated by Alphatron using JRC bridge equipment. Alphatron divisional manager Rogier van Roon told Marine Electronics & Communications in November 2017 that AlphaBridge’s design should enable optimised views from the wheelhouse and full control of displays and equipment – including autopilot, VHF and propulsion
controls – from the master chair. AlphaBridge has three 26-in navigational displays in the front consoles. It is also fitted with JRC’s latest JMR-5400 marine radar and a new conning system and can also come with a new adaptive autopilot and a new VHF radio that has a 5-in touchscreen. For inland operations, this updated version of AlphaBridge can come with a JRC river radar, such as JMA610 and Alphatron’s new track monitoring and control unit. One of the most recent installations of AlphaBridge equipment was on Damen Shipyards-built yacht support vessel, New Frontiers. Alphatron supplied the navigation and communications package that included a dynamic positioning (DP) module and VSAT. The DP automatically controls the heading and position of this YS 5009-design vessel, based on data received from position reference sensors, gyrocompasses, wind sensors and motion reference units. The auto track mode
Marine Electronics & Communications | 1st Quarter 2018
allows New Frontiers to move along a predefined track at low speed. In 2017, Alphatron also developed, in association with Argonics, a track and control system for inland shipping. AlphaRiverTrack, as it is called, is an autopilot that enables ship masters to set routes on electronic charts for vessels using inland waterways. It calculates rudder output for steering a vessel while compensating for drift. Vessel masters can overrule the automation to make adjustments during navigation by using a compact joystick control panel on the bridge. Three steering modes from existing Alphatron river pilot devices – automatic, follow-up and track – can be chosen by the vessel’s captain. AlphaRiverTrack will automatically optimise a route by adjusting it to account for water levels and vessel load conditions. It analyses progress of the planned route using prediction lines and reduces fuel consumption by decreasing rudder movements. For open sea operations, JRC has developed a JMR-5400 radar with 19-in or 26-in displays, greater processing power and an updated human-machine interface. For commercial ships, Alphatron has introduced the NeCST route planning station. This is an interactive chart unit that enables operators to plan voyages on a 46-in touchscreen. The planning station would be connected to other bridge systems enabling officers to transfer a route to an onboard ECDIS.
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