Latest generation ECDIS from KH
The new MantaDigital ECDIS4
Kelvin Hughes has launched its fourth generation ECDIS, which is a part of the company’s MantaDigital multifunction workstation range, in which a single display can function as ECDIS, radar or conning display.
The new product, known as ECDIS4, is said to build on the experience the company has gained since its first ECDIS received type approval in 1999. MantaDigital ECDIS4 is available with desk, pedestal, flush and bridge wing mounting options and 20in and 26in screen sizes, making it suitable for various vessel types and sizes. Latest features include the ability to show other manufacturers’ radar as an overlay and a full screen chart mode together with sophisticated facilities to manage chart data and updates.
The user interface is common to all modes, is claimed to be straightforward to use and simplifies crew training. Training facilities have been incorporated into the system, with built-in scenarios which allow operators to familiarise themselves with the system in route planning and route monitoring operational modes. An ECDIS4 software package, which allows full operation of the MantaDigital system in all its modes, is available and and can be run on any suitable laptop computer for training or product familiarisation.
"We believe that this is the easiest ECDIS to operate and with its standard three-year warranty it offers the market the most cost-effective ECDIS solution available,” said Bruce Santos, head of sales and marketing at Kelvin Hughes. “When supplied as part of an ECDISplus bundle – which includes chart data, updates and training – chart updating is reduced to a single mouse click."
“Multifunctionality is the key to the MantaDigital product range and, where administrations allow, this will reduce the number of displays that are needed on the bridge to meet the carriage requirements, as any display can provide ECDIS backup functionality,” Santos said.
Dr Steve Tucker, Kelvin Hughes’ product development manager, said: "ECDIS4 is the culmination of over 20 man-years of development and testing. We have ensured the highest functional and operational quality for ECDIS4 through 20,000 hours of thorough, hands-on operational testing at sea, responding to feedback from the bridge teams onboard.”
"Just fitting ECDIS equipment on its own is not a solution to the IMO ECDIS mandation requirements,” Santos added. “There are also significant steps that ship operators need to take to implement an appropriate infrastructure for ECDIS on their vessels to ensure compliance.”
Kelvin Hughes claims to be the only company that can provide a one-stop-shop solution that includes equipment, paper and electronic chart data, chart management and update, training, global installation and support. An important part of Kelvin Hughes’ package is said to be advice on the data to be used in the ECDIS; cost of data is dependent on the vessel's operating area, so the cppany aims to be able to advise on the most cost effective solution.
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