Japanese shipping farm Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) has collaborated with Monohakobi Technology Institute (MTI) and Japan Radio (JRC) to develop a new support tool that enables better management and sharing of navigational information.

The patent-pending system will be marketed by JRC and known as J-Marine NeCST.

The tool will enable marine operators to comply with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulations, which mandate that global passenger vessels over 500t and cargo vessels over 3,000t capacity must use Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) by 2018.

J-Marine NeCST eliminates the use of conventional paper charts and offers space for additional navigational information.

Information can be handwritten on the ECDIS with a finger or stylus pen.

"The tool allows for the integration of electronic maps and data sharing among ships and land, and can be customised in accordance with individual user requirements."

Additionally, the tool combines meteorological and hydrographical forecasts to aid in the preparation of optimal route plans.

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It also allows for the integration of electronic maps and data sharing among ships and land, and can be customised and expanded in accordance with individual user requirements.

MTI noted that it has been further developing the J-Marine NeCST to help enable the tool to synchronise with other ECDIS models.

The company is a member of the NYK Group, and is currently involved in various research and development projects in areas such as safe vessel operation, environment, saving energy, and new logistics technologies.


Image: Hand operation with J-Marine NeCST. Photo: courtesy of MTI Co Ltd.

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