Maritime satellite communications provider Navarino and digital navigation specialist Jeppesen have jointly created a platform for delivering electronic chart data to ships. This is the first step in a long-term collaboration, which is focused on strengthening digital navigation and operations offerings over L-band and VSAT satellite connections. This will involve updates for electronic navigational charts (ENCs) from Jeppesen being delivered to ships through Navarino’s Infinity platform.
Navarino project manager Nikolaos Papanikolaou said this would replace the use of memory sticks and DVDs for installing chart updates on ecdis. He added that the service will be offered initially over Inmarsat’s satellites, with inference that this will include Fleet Xpress Ka-band services. “The partnership with Jeppesen is another step in our strategy of providing high-quality integrated satellite communications solutions via the new generation of Inmarsat satellites,” he said.
Jeppesen managing director for commercial marine services John Klippen said this would support shipowners that are deploying ecdis across their fleets to meet IMO regulations. He said around 35,000 vessels need to be equipped with ecdis that are using the latest ENCs by 2018. “Our partnership with Navarino will help ship operators comply with the ecdis mandate, and support them in achieving the operating efficiency needed to create competitive advantages,” he said.
Both companies expect more digital navigation solutions will be developed due to the growing technology trends of the Internet of Things, data analytics and the use of maritime cloud services. Jeppesen expects to offer more navigational and operational services for improving navigation, efficiency and safety at sea through Navarino’s connectivity.
http://www.marinemec.com/news/view,jeppesen-and-navarino-combine-for-chart-data-delivery_43079.htm