The workstations are built up from modules and a range of standard components to suit the ship owner’s requirements which, can be fitted into new or existing aft and forward bridges.
All systems work together via the Rolls-Royce integrated network where information and control signals are exchanged safely, and the integrity of each system is secured.
Rolls-Royce simplifies operations and physically positions the system closer to the operator. Control levers are placed ergonomically, allowing the operator to work sitting or standing.
The intuitive design combined with common look and feel menus increase both operator performance and overall operational safety.
Rolls-Royce integrated bridge systems include:
- Propeller, thrusters and steering gear Controls
- Ship Automation System
- Ship Operation Mode selection
- Ship E0 Alarm System
- Cargo and Machinery Control
- Fuel System Control & Monitoring (LNG)
- Ship Load and Stability Monitoring
- Bridge Navigation Watch Alarm System
- Dynamic Positioning
- Independent joystick
- Navigation
- Communication
- Bridge auxiliaries
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The operator´s chair is a highly regarded Rolls-Royce product with controls and interactive screens ergonomically located in the chair armrest.
Various systems can be fitted into these chairs such as propeller/thruster and steering gear controls, DP, independent joystick, and winch controls. Operator chairs can be provided as part of the bridge system or as an individual product.
What next...
The new Rolls-Royce bridge systems have been designed specifically around the needs of the operator, through an extensive study of the human-machine interface (HMI). Safety, performance, simplicity and proximity are core design principles incorporated into the system design.
Situation assessment is given at a glance through direct view, clear GUI and overhead displays. The system gives the operator unified information and monitoring.
The large screen planning station is optimised for operation or navigation planning. Consistency in command transfer, system operation and alarm handling further enhances operational safety.
What next...
Putting the human at the centre of integrated operations
The user-driven innovation project, Increasing Safety of Demanding Offshore Operations through Usability, is partly funded by the Norwegian Research Council. The project started in January 2011 and runs to December 2013.
The main focus of this project is the importance of maintaining a good process concerning usability and human factors when developing maritime equipment. Different scenarios and operations are being studied to find operational focal points to investigate with the aim of providing better support for the operator.
Within the project, Rolls-Royce is focusing primarily on navigation, manoeuvring, control and monitoring on offshore vessels and rigs. Standardisation, human factors, ergonomics, usability, alarm and alarm-handling are central topics being researched.
Interaction is the key word and the project is evaluating:
- Interaction between operators on the bridge
- Interaction patterns between workstations
- Interaction between bridge crew and deck crew
- Interaction between vessel and rig
- Interaction between operators and equipment
The aim is to have a chain of methods that can be used in systems evaluation, so that a further level of quality assurance through the application of usability analysis and human factors, can be added. Products that conform will be ‘usability approved’.
All work is being undertaken in the first Norwegian Maritime Human Factors laboratory, an independent research laboratory where Rolls-Royce is the main contributor and partner.
It is a unique facility, located at Ålesund University College in the heart of the Norwegian maritime cluster and has state-of-the-art eye-tracking equipment for detailed evaluation and testing of software and equipment for usability and ergonomics. It will enable Rolls-Royce research and development to be taken to a new level.
Enhanced integration and interactions between systems and sub-systems will significantly improve performance:
- One common interface provides a unified view to the operator.
- One common alarm philosophy reduces disturbance frequency.
- One common way of communicating between sub-systems reduces system load and leads to a more streamlined operation.
- Safer operation through a well balanced bridge environment.
What next...
