Italian bulkers to get Northrop Grumman IBSs
Northrop Grumman Corporation has received orders to supply advanced electronic navigation systems for two new 37,000 dwt bulk carriers to be built in Korea for Italian shipowner d’Amico Dry Limited.
The orders were awarded to Northrop Grumman’s Sperry Marine business unit through Telemar, the sales and service representative for Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine products and services in Italy. Telemar will oversee the installations and provide technical support and service for the shipboard navigation systems.
Each of the ships is being fitted with a complete Sperry Marine VisionMaster FT integrated bridge system (IBS), including electronic chart display and information system, X- and S-band radars, autopilot, voyage data recorder and other navigation sensors and subsystems. All of the components are tied together in an Ethernet network, providing a high level of system integration.
“The IBS will enhance situational awareness for the ships’ bridge officers, by providing an integrated picture of the ships’ navigation and status on large high-resolution colour displays,” said J. Nolasco DaCunha, vice president of Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine.
The two bulk carriers are on order from Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard in Ulsan, Korea, and are due for delivery to the owner in 2011.
