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You are here: Home > Marine > Marine news > 2003 > Rolls-Royce and Furuno announce co-operation for integrated bridge systems
Rolls-Royce and Furuno have agreed to co-operate in the marketing and supply of Integrated Bridge Systems (IBS) to the commercial marine market.
This initiative will be based on the use of Furuno IBS products in Rolls-Royce ship systems and the use of Rolls-Royce Automation and Control products in Furuno sales to the commercial marine market.
Furuno and Rolls-Royce will jointly develop elements of the IBS to optimise the flexibility of use of equipment and displays, to improve the flow of information across the vessel and to provide operator benefits through enhanced designs of Man Machine Interfaces. Future enhancements in capability will benefit from the opportunity for Rolls-Royce and Furuno to work together at an early stage to ensure that new systems are developed in an efficient and cost effective manner.
Examples of the anticipated benefits from the co-operation include the ability to freely exchange information between the fore and aft bridge display systems, improvements in interchangeability of display content and increased system functionality.
The first combined Rolls-Royce and Furuno system is planned for installation in the first half of 2004 and will include the latest development of the Furuno ARPA/RADAR system and Rolls-Royce Automation and Control equipment featuring the next generation UMAS (Ulstein Multifunction Automation System).
Rick Kane, President - Marine Electrical Systems, Rolls-Royce, says: "This agreement builds on the complementary strengths of Rolls-Royce and Furuno in the commercial marine markets, delivering benefits to the customer in terms of flexibility, ergonomics and cost effectiveness."
Sjur A. Velsvik, General Manager ?Furuno Norway, says: "An agreement between our two companies will give a new dimension, both in ease of operation and in making important information readily available for navigators, in order to ensure highest levels of safety".
Furuno has been world-renowned as a manufacturer of innovative maritime electronics equipment for decades. While retaining its leading edge in marine electronics, Furuno has steadily been expanding its activities to cover a wider range of market sectors. Furuno offers a comprehensive range of navigational and communication equipment for commercial vessels and passenger ships dedicated to safe and efficient ship operation. The product range cover Radars, ARPAs, GPS Navigators, ECDIS, Track Steering System, Echo Sounders, Doppler Log system as well as sophisticated Integrated Bridge Systems. Within communication Furuno is a leading manufacturer of maritime Inmarsat Ship Earth station and GMDSS Radio equipment complies with highest international standards and further supported by Furuno's Worldwide Service Network.
Rolls-Royce develops, designs and manufactures controls and displays for its wide range of marine products and systems. The equipment installed on the bridge includes controls and screens for main engines, propellers and thrusters; monitoring/alarm panels; steering systems; and other vessel systems (such as cable handling, tank sounding, motion control and bulk handling equipment).
New automation products are continually being introduced, and all new generation systems are based on the successful Rolls-Royce common control platform to ensure that complete integrated installations can be built up to suit the customer's precise requirements. Comfort and ease of control for the bridge personnel are ensured by the Operator's Chair, which has the propulsion and manoeuvring joystick and controls for equipment such as winches placed readily to hand in the armrests of the seat.
Furuno applies its sophisticated electronics, ultrasonic and computer technologies to other industrial sectors. The company's new growing businesses include, Data Management Devices for office and store automation, Avionics Equipment, Marine and Land Survey Systems and Medical Electronics Equipment. These products have also been well accepted by new customers for their advanced design, combined with unsurpassed quality and reliability. At the turn of the century Furuno was determined to direct the continued efforts to provide high-performance products that would meet the customer's satisfaction.
Marine Contacts
Craig Taylor
Senior Business Partner – Corporate Communications
