Northrop Grumman to Supply Bridge System for New Passenger Ferry

Northrop Grumman Corporation has been selected to supply the bridge navigation and communication systems for a new SeaFrance high-performance vehicle-passenger ferry, which is being built at Alstom’s Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France. The new ferry, to be christened SeaFrance Berlioz, in honor of the famous French composer, is scheduled to enter service in February 2005. The ship will be fitted with a multi-console Voyage Management System from Northrop Grumman’s Sperry Marine business unit. System components will include a type-approved electronic chart display and information system, interswitched BridgeMaster E navigation radars, a networked self-tuning adaptive autopilot and main steering system, voyage data recorder, automatic identification system, gyrocompasses and other navigation sensors and systems. The bridge installation will include multiple navigation and control consoles utilizing the latest high-resolution flat-screen LCD technology. Also included is a communications suite complying with the international requirements of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System. Sperry Marine will work closely with the owner and shipyard to provide technical support, program management, installation, commissioning and crew training. The bridge installation for SeaFrance Berlioz will be similar to the system earlier previously supplied by Sperry Marine for the sister ship, SeaFrance Rodin, which was launched in November 2001. At 185 meters long, 28 meters wide and 32,000 gross tons, the SeaFrance Berlioz will be able to carry up to 1,900 passengers, 120 trucks and 700 cars. With a service speed of 25 knots, the ship will be one of the fastest on the Dover-Calais