TODAY NO. 1/2013 15
ULSTEIN BRIDGE VISION™
first product contracted
awarded best innovation idea
Bridge Manager in ULSTEIN, Arne Ove Rødstøl, received the NOK 1 million Prize from Chair of the Jury, Berit Kjøll (left) and CEO in DNB, Rune Bjerke (right).
In August 2012, Ulstein Group launched their bold and innovative concept for the future bridge, ULSTEIN BRIDGE VISION™. Now, the first product, ULSTEIN Bridge Alarm System™, has been introduced to the market. The system has been contracted for the GC Rieber Shipping’s subsea vessel, and all six PSVs in the Blue Ship Invest fleet, of which ‘Blue Thunder’ (delivery May 2013) was the first. Several products are under way, and the first one to be commercialised is the bridge watch monitoring and alarm system, ULSTEIN Bridge Alarm System. By combining visual and audible indication of alarms, all equipment on the bridge making an audible alarm shall be connected to the bridge alarm system. The system features bridge watch monitoring, the so-called “dead man” system, for detection of unattended bridge or operator disability based on interval checking. It also includes an alarm transfer to specific locations outside the bridge to alert and call the master and back-up navigator, automatically initiated in case the bridge alarms are not attended to or an operator disability is detected.
Ulstein Bridge Vision is a concept for the modern ship bridge, where safety in complex operations has been given major attention. With an aim to create better, safer and simpler solutions for ships’ crews, the concept offers a catalogue of user-focused innovations, including: Gesture-controlled infographics displayed on bridge windows; a system that automatically adapts to the individual user’s preferred setup; and a new breed of user-defined ergonomic work stations. ULSTEIN BRIDGE VISION is a cooperative effort between ULSTEIN and Oslo School of Architecture and Design.
DNB’s Innovation Award 2012 of NOK 1 million was awarded to ULSTEIN’s concept bridge, ULSTEIN BRIDGE VISION. ULSTEIN BRIDGE VISION is about simplifying, being more efficient, and creating better and safer working conditions on the bridge. The jury emphasised that the idea will help to significantly improve HSE (Health, Safety, Environment) standards, whereby both people and property will be better protected. DNB’s CEO, Rune Bjerke, commented: “It is important for DNB to help good ideas develop into successful value creation, and we have great faith in the business potential of this year’s winner.” DNB is Norway’s largest financial services group and one of the world’s leading shipping banks. 700 ideas were received for the contest.