Offshore Systems - Government Customer

Royal New Zealand Navy
Project Profile: ECPINS^® W Fleet Deployment

“The introduction of ECDIS has considerably enhanced the navigational capability for a Naval Bridge. Perhaps one of the best spin-offs was the use of the system in very confined waters. The ability to see the outline of the ship relative to the nearest wharf, rock or danger mark allows for much more accurate positioning of the ship. The confidence that the display of the position of any part of the hull outline relative to the navigational hazards was a great comfort in maneuvering in tight corners – like shifting from Calliope South to the Boiler Wharf. ECDIS will not take over from the OOW but it is certainly a better tool than a blunt pencil and a soggy chart!”

LT Colleen Riches RNZN
ECDIS Project Manager

In 2004, Offshore Systems won the contract to supply the RNZN’s entire fleet, as well as their training and shore facilities with ECPINS W. In total, six ECPINS W systems were installed on the RNZN fleet and seven systems are being installed on the Project Protector ships. A deciding factor in awarding this contract was ECPINS W’s high level of compliance with the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) WECDIS (Warship Electronic Chart Display Information System) standard.

Phase 1 of the project started with the installation of ECPINS W in RNZN shore facilities including the Primary and Secondary Bridge Simulators, Classroom and JGSF (Joint Geospatial Support Facility). The ECPINS W software was tested and integrated in the shore facilities to ensure proper functionality with all systems. After the successful installation and testing on the shore facilities, Phase 2 involved the installation of ECPINS W on the RNZN fleet as well as additional shore facilities.

As part of the contracted services, Offshore Systems managed key project milestones including test plans and test procedures, installation data pack and comprehensive installation services, as well as Set-To-Work, Harbour-Acceptance-Trial and Sea-Acceptance-Trials. The company also provided Integrated Logistics Support that included codification, drawings and documentation in addition to extensive training materials.