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What should e-navigation systems be able to deliver?

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The debate continues at European level on what e-navigation systems should be, and what they should - or should not – deliver.

The main aim, says navigation systems expert Kevin Gregory, should be easing the workload of the navigator through provision of these systems, and to deliver enhanced safety and efficiency.

Shore control centres are playing an increasingly active role in the management of vessels and the information they hold should be used proactively, he says. Ports themselves should be able to enter information on berth occupancy and scheduling, which should be easily accessed by those at sea.

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“A ship on its way should be able to get that information and use it to optimise its passage – perhaps slowing down if the berth isn’t going to be ready, thus saving fuel. Quite basic systems could help shore authorities to share all the information now to facilitate more efficient passage of vessels.”

In the end, he says, it comes down to ‘collaboration and sharing’, rather than ‘managing and controlling’. “It’s about sharing information to allow the master and officers to make a more informed choice in the management of their ship. And it should be a two-way flow of information.”