Raytheon Anschütz, a business of Raytheon Technologies, recently delivered a sophisticated integrated bridge system (IBS) to Vox Ariane, a state-of-the-art LNG hopper dredger owned by Dutch marine contractor Van Oord.

The IBS includes multifunctional workstations, navigational radars, a redundant, maintenance-free gyrocompass system and a highly precise auto- and track-pilot, as well as a comprehensive suite of navigational sensors.

“We are proud to contribute to this great vessel with our latest bridge and navigation technologies,” said Björn Ober, head of project management at the integrated bridge systems business unit at Raytheon Anschütz. “Together with Van Oord, we have designed a bridge system that meets their demanding standards and is optimally tailored for their operational needs.”

At the core of the IBS, the Synapsis NX integrated navigation system serves as the central interface between users and the navigation system. The system automatically assesses all sensor data, targets and alerts, manages routes, charts and targets, and distributes consistent data and designations across the entire bridge system.

Unique to this project, the multifunctional workstations not only provide access to the navigational applications of chart radar, electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) and conning, but also include access to applications required for dredging operations. A digital KVM matrix system controls additional applications and computers used for dredging operations from the bridge navigation workstations.

“Ergonomical and operational considerations sometimes lead to the requirement of implementing further functionality on the bridge workstations,” said Ober. “We have designed and type-approved this solution to offer a maximum of flexibility when adding functionality to the bridge, without any compromise regarding ships’ navigational safety.”

Vox Ariane was delivered in April by Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd, Singapore, and christened on June 4 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The high-specification LNG trailing suction hopper dredger is equipped with highly automated and integrated systems to enhance efficiency and realize operational cost savings. It’s also designed to significantly reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Two identical dredgers are currently under construction.