Danelec Unveils New ECDIS at SMM
Danelec Marine is rolling out its new DM700 series Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) for marine navigation at the SMM maritime trade fair in Hamburg, Germany, held from September 6-9.
The DM700 ECDIS provides a basic ECDIS solution that fully complies with the new IEC and IHO performance standards which will be mandatory in all ECDIS ship installations beginning August 2017.
Danelec Marine introduced its new-generation DM800 ECDIS in 2015. With the addition of the new DM700, the company now offers standard and enhanced choices for shipowners to meet the ECDIS carriage requirements. Like the DM800 ECDIS, the DM700 ECDIS is designed with Linux-based software, an intuitive easy-to-learn user interface, industry-leading cartography, ruggedized low-power LED monitors and Danelec’s exclusive SoftWare Advanced Protection (SWAP) technology.
“This is the smallest, most compact ECDIS package ever made,” said Danelec Marine CEO Hans Ottosen. “It’s designed for fast and simple installation on the ship’s bridge, and is a robust hardware and software platform designed for long life and easy serviceability.”
“Unlike many other ECDIS manufacturers, we elected not to go with a panel PC-based design,” added Ottosen. “That’s because panel PCs are prone to failures from excessive heat buildup and are extremely difficult to service onboard the ship. Our monitors meet military-grade standards and have very low power consumption, minimizing heat emission.”
Danelec’s custom-built computer runs on Linux, which is more stable and secure than Windows-based PCs. The Linux operating system uses less processing power and memory, freeing more room for chart storage, while providing superior resistance to virus and malware.
SWAP technology is a critical element incorporated into all Danelec products. It simplifies shipboard service by storing all programs, application software, configuration files, cartography, routes and other data on a 64-gigabyte memory card. The SWAP card can be removed from the ECDIS main unit and installed into a replacement unit in minutes, and the faulty unit can be taken off the ship for repair. Because ECDIS is an essential system for safe navigation, a failure would render the ship unable to sail until it is repaired and fully functional.
The user interface is easy to learn and operate. The maximum menu depth is three levels. Important functions like route planning can be accessed with minimal clicks. Danelec Marine offers a full range of online, classroom and onboard training options.
The DM700 ECDIS and DM800 ECDIS run on all official electronic navigational charts, including Admiralty Vector Chart Service in S-57 and S-63 formats, as well as NAVTOR System Electronic Navigational Charts. Additional overlays, including the Admiralty Information Overlay, NAVTEX, radar and AIS are also supported. A pay-as-you-sail chart licensing scheme ensures all charts are available when needed and eliminates the need to manage a full electronic chart portfolio on the ship.