[ 75 ] ONBOARD way using shaftlines, rudders, bow and stern thrusters is very different to Azipod® manoeuvring. Training is paramount when applying new technologies, for which purpose ABB installed a simulator at Channel House, P&O Ferries’ headquarters. Each Azipod® unit has its own lever to control the propeller speed and steering angle. The direction of the Azipod® unit is controlled by rotating the lever clockwise or anti-clockwise (the propulsion unit itself can turn through 360 degrees) while the amount of thrust is controlled by moving the top portion forward and back. The system also comes with a joystick, combining all four levers in a single device. Each bridge has 12 levers — four on the central navigation desk and four on each bridgewing desk. Yet another huge step forward is the implementation of a paperless bridge, using technology instead. First trialled on Spirit of Britain, NAPA Electronic Logbook offers a one-stop solution for fast and accurate recordkeeping, monitoring, reporting and compliance onboard as well as ashore. Research has shown that NAPA Electronic Logbook could save up to 78 per cent of the crew’s administrative time, reducing workload and the need to duplicate entries, and limiting the risk of errors. P&O Ferries now plans to implement the system fleetwide. “ NAPA Electronic Logbook could save up to 78 per cent of the crew’s administrative time, reducing workload and the need to duplicate entries, and limiting the risk of errors. P&O Ferries now plans to implement the system fleetwide” IN-HOUSE BRIDGE DESIGN With his experience as captain and pilot, senior master Simon Moore has been instrumental in the design of the Ship of the Future’s bridge which started with a blank canvas. When he came ashore in September 2019, the propulsion pack using ABB Azipods and Wärtsilä generators had already been agreed but, for the bridge equipment, there were still three suppliers in the running: ABB, Sperry Marine and Kongsberg. Due to the excellent all-round integration of its systems coupled with the heightadjustable consoles, Kongsberg was head and shoulders above the rest. When designing the bridge, the newbuild team also did their utmost to make it ergonomically excellent. The bridges were built to strict DNV rules with the NAUT-AW class notation. An important requirement of this notation is to enable the officer of the watch to perform all normal bridge functions from a single pilot station. So, whether seated on the ergonomic navigation chairs or standing, all controls — and cup holders — are within arm’s reach, with 20 per cent of the controls that are used 80 per cent of the time at the controller’s fingertips. The ABB-installed simulator at P&O Ferries’ HQ
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