Kongsberg Maritime (Norway) developed new modular BridgeLine® system designed to improve safety and efficiency at all levels of vessel operation. This integrated bridge solution can be tailored and arranged to fit the specific needs of navigation and work (aft) bridges. A modular design facilitates the flexibility to design workspace especially for the operational needs of a vessel. All required equipment can be positioned within reach of the operator, in order to increase the safety of operations and reduce working stress during intensive operations.

BridgeLine® is designed for one-man operation, with functionality that allows maximum time for observation and decision making. The system seamlessly integrates a full range of ship handling and automation tasks into common networks. Integrated functions include:

• Navigation
• Route Planning
• Automatic route keeping
• ECDIS/Radar shared video and track presentation
• Manoeuvring
• Manual levers
• Joystick
• Dynamic positioning
• Radio and inter communications
• Safety system

The core navigation consoles of the BridgeLine® system consists of the DataBridge® radar/ARPA display, the SeaMap® ECDIS and the Conning information display. From these consoles, the majority of bridge functions can be controlled. An integrated, adaptive autopilot continuously monitors the vessel movements and adjusts the use of rudder to match the actual conditions. The autopilot can be operated via its own panel, or remotely controlled from any DataBridge® or SeaMap® unit. When connected to the BridgeLine® system, course, waypoint steering and track control modes are available.

Through integration of the components, full utilisation of functionality across traditional sub-system boundaries is obtained. Even though everything is connected, the different sub-systems can work independently in full compliance with class requirements. Operational modes and command locations are selected globally for the entire system, avoiding the many traditional 'hard' switches.