(COPENHAGEN) — Shipowners and operators need up-to-date and reliable data in order to plan a safe voyage. Using several software systems to gather this data is time-consuming, and human errors may occur. At SMM 2018, Danish supplier of nautical charts Iver C. Weilbach & Co. A/S is launching a digital platform with multiple navigation services that reduces administrative costs.
“WENDIS Viewer simplifies voyage planning and saves time by having all the information operators need available on a single user-friendly platform, and thereby avoids the need for different software systems,” said Martin Mikkelsen, director of business development at Iver C. Weilbach & Co. A/S.
Weilbach has upgraded its digital platform WENDIS Viewer by integrating ADMIRALTY e-Nautical Publications (AENP) from the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO).
“The UKHO collects and compiles data from hydrographic offices around the world. This allows them to provide bridge officers with the widest official and compliant coverage of shipping routes and ports through its portfolio of ADMIRALTY Maritime Data solutions,” Mikkelsen said. “By integrating official ADMIRALTY Nautical Publications as e-books, operators will be able to download and apply the latest UKHO updates to publications electronically. This important feature not only helps to support safety and compliance, but can also reduce administration on board the vessel.”
One of the features where WENDIS Viewer excels is in the integration of the UKHO’s ADMIRALTY Information Overlay (AIO), which displays ADMIRALTY Temporary and Preliminary Notices to Mariners (T&P NMs) and ENC Preliminary Notices to Mariners (EP NMs) on top of electronic navigational charts (ENCs).
“The more accurate the information available at the planning stage, and the quicker it is available, the better the situational awareness and efficiency on board,” said Mikkelsen. “As well as AIO, operators can build different information overlays on top of ENCs such as weather service, tide, emission control areas along with MARPOL zones. This way, the platform shows the data the mariner needs when operating in different waters. Together with the integration of ADMIRALTY Digital Publications, WENDIS Viewer gives you complete access to information required for planning your voyage.”
In addition to ensuring accurate data on board the vessel, that data can be shared between vessels as well as between a vessel and the land-based office.
“Sharing routes between vessels and the office enables shipowners to monitor fleets and ensures that the vessels operate safely and cost effectively,” said Mikkelsen. “The platform has a remark function allowing shipowners to quickly warn the mariners if their vessel is entering no-go areas or insurances zones.”
For more information, visit www.weilbach.com.
