[EN-SEA] "NYK" Unveils New Navigation System For Ice-bound Seas

JAPANESE shipping giant NYK and Tokyo-based Weathernews Inc have unveiled a new navigation system for ice bound seas that utilises live reports in real time from other ships in the area, a joint statement said.

"During the winter season, depending on sea-ice conditions, vessel hulls could possibly be damaged when calling at and departing from ports. Moreover, sea ice could possibly block a vessel's navigation route.

Therefore, it is crucial for both operation management divisions and vessels in service to share up-to-date, accurate information on weather and sea conditions for use in mapping navigation plans and making decisions on possible navigation routes, thus ensuring loading and unloading," it said.

To encourage safer operations, the NYK Group and Weathernews have jointly developed and introduced this new system, which is based on Weathernews' Ice Routing Service. The system facilitates observation and comprehension of sea-ice conditions for vessels navigating in such seas based on updated weather, sea conditions and satellite observation data.

By using Weathernews' sea-ice forecast model, the system analyses a range of factors including ice distribution, cohesiveness and thickness, to forecast sea-ice conditions for the coming two weeks. The information is updated daily.

The new system can be monitored on NYK e-missions, an integrated operating management system. Crews onboard vessels and vessel operators can access NYK e-missions, which monitors weather conditions "to forecast risks that may occur at harbour and on courses being sailed by vessels."

Source : HKSG, 06.03.10.