AWA Marine secures major integrated bridge project for newbuild vessel in Asia
Custom bridge architecture brings navigation, communications and vessel information systems together around the operator.
AWA Marine has secured a major project to deliver a fully integrated bridge solution for a highly customised newbuild bulk carrier (transshipment vessel) currently under construction in China.
The project encompasses systems design, engineering, bridge layout, equipment supply, installation and commissioning. Bringing together technologies from JRC, Alphatron Marine, Jotron SKIPPER, Yokogawa and other specialist manufacturers, AWA Marine’s scope centres on creating a cohesive bridge environment tailored to the vessel’s operational requirements.
The award reflects AWA Marine’s approach to bridge delivery: engineering how equipment, information and operators work together. System integration, redundancy and console layout are considered as part of the overall design, with a focus on practical use during navigation, manoeuvring and transshipment operations, making this a rather highly specialised project.
Designed around the operator
The fully customised consoles form a central part of the project, bringing navigation displays, conning information and controls into an arrangement designed around the bridge team. The layout incorporates a main navigation console and dedicated T-System bridge wing stations with FWD and AFT Overhead Consoles, supported by integrated conning and docking capabilities.
The engineering approach prioritises clear presentation of information, accessible controls and consistent operation across the bridge. Redundancy is addressed through the system architecture, including dual gyrocompasses, navigation sensor interfaces, changeover arrangements and uninterruptible power supplies for selected systems.
Comprehensive navigation and communications scope
AWA Marine’s equipment package covers the vessel’s principal navigation, communications and bridge safety systems, including:
- Navigation and situational awareness: X-band and S-band radars, electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS), AlphaMINDS conning and docking systems, GPS and automatic identification system (AIS).
- Heading and vessel control: Dual gyrocompasses, heading repeaters, autopilot and magnetic compass systems.
- Speed, depth and environmental information: Echo sounder, speed log, satellite speed log and meteorological sensors and displays.
- Communications: VHF and MF/HF radios, FleetBroadband, Satellite, NAVTEX and weather fax, supported by a customised AWA Marine GMDSS console.
- Safety and monitoring: Voyage data recorder, bridge navigational watch alarm system, sound reception system, emergency position-indicating radio beacon, search and rescue transponder, and handheld VHF radios.
Supporting interfaces, networks, power supplies and distribution equipment connect these technologies within the broader bridge architecture.
The project demonstrates AWA Marine’s focus on delivering an engineered operational environment, with equipment selection, integration and physical layout developed together to support the people who will use it.
At AWA Marine, integration, engineering and bridge design come together through close collaboration with shipowners and a clear understanding of their operational requirements.