What is E-Navigation

It was also noted from information disclosed over time that navigational errors and failures had been significant in overall incidents that required a full investigation. This inspired the development of new technologies such as Automatic Identification System (AIS), Electronic Chart and Information System (ECDIS) Integrated Bridge and Navigation Systems, Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA), Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) systems, Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) and the Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS). The aim was to develop a strategic vision for the utilization of existing and new navigational tools, in particular electronic tools, in a holistic and systematic manner. The proposed solution was named e-navigation. As a result of proposals made to IMO MSC (Marine Safety Committee) on the subject, a Strategy Implementation Plan (SIP) was developed in the past and five solutions were agreed to provide a basis for this purpose that are:

  • S1: Improved, harmonization and user-friendly bridge design.
  • S2: Means for standardized and automatic reporting.
  • S3: Improved reliability, resilience and integrity of bridge equipment and navigational information.
  • S4: Integration and presentation of available information in graphical displays received via communication equipment; and
  • S5: Improved communication of VTS service portfolio.

The solutions S2, S4 and S5 are designed to improve communication between ship and shore for safe ship management purposes. These same initiatives may have the highest potential to reduce GHG emissions from ships as any reduction in the waiting time to enter port or a delay in the passage of a river or estuary can have a positive impact on reducing fuel consumption of a voyage and thus its GHG emissions. The IMO considers the implementation of e-navigation in the world’s fleet as a long-term objective rather than a short-term fix. It should also be noted that the on-board e-navigation system will have a shore-based e-navigation to support it that will require other challenges. It is hoped that e-navigation will be an enabling technology that would facilitate more efficient ship scheduling and routing, thus leading to more energy efficient shipping and a reduction in the amount of GHG emissions it produces (MariEMS 2017).