RAVEN INS® (Raven Integrated Navigation System) has been granted the world's first type approval for a bridge solution where an integrated application has been developed for the bridge instead of combining different pieces of software.

Executive Vice President Johannes Tveit of Norwegian Electric Systems (NES) compares this to how people used to have a calculator, a photo album and a phone book, while all of these functions are now combined in their smartphone.
'RAVEN INS®  integrates the various tasks for charts, route planning, radar, autopilot, trackpilot etc. into a comprehensive program and a bridge solution with all software and hardware, as well as an optional integrated operator’s chair to make the operations more convenient.’

Easy to use and reliable

RAVEN INS®  allow users to easily adapt the monitors and screen layout as needed.

‘We can tailor the bridge to suit the type of vessel and the operations to be carried out. You can also simply switch between different operations at the touch of a button, whether you are on a transport leg, approaching port or lying stationary, for example beside a wind farm.’ 
Svein Ove Farstad, General Manager Sales & Marketing for NES, also emphasises that the computer and network-based solution improves safety.
'RAVEN INS®  provide multiple redundancy. If a monitor or computer fails, others will take over any vital function.’

Solution for the future

The computer and network solution also ensure adaptability to future requirements and needs. The comprehensive system developed by the company is ready for new functions to be added.

‘As additional needs become apparent and the technology develops, more functions can be added. They could include solutions for engine alarm monitoring, thruster control and dynamic positioning, or smaller systems such as navigation light controls.’
The network solution also means that RAVEN INS®  is ready to interact with shore on data capture and remote monitoring.
‘This is an important element in the development towards increasing automation and autonomous vessels. RAVEN INS®  support enhanced user and operational support. And a digital twin is already part of the system, which allows for remote training where the crew can sit at home with their laptop and receive training.’

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R&D and Sales team from NES represented at the Safety at Sea Award in London in 2019, where RAVEN INS® was finalist in the category “Best emerging safety solution”.
In photo from left: Svein Ove Farstad – General Manager Sales & Marketing, Tore Havsø - Product Manager Navigation & Vessel Control Systems, Håvard Hellvik – Software Architect, Geir Lyngheim Olsen – Test Engineer og Ole Georg Rørhus – R&D Manager. Photo: Norwegian Electric Systems 

Smart and safe

Executive Vice President Johannes Tveit says that RAVEN INS®  is the result of hard work by the company’s development entity, while NES has also obtained input from experienced captains.
‘We are now pleased to be able to offer our customers a smart, safe and forward-looking system for navigation and operations.’
The new RAVEN INS®  has already been sold to a number of customers, and the first bridge will be put into use this year. 

Front page photo:
RAVEN INS® is the new bridge solution from NES, and the first of its kind to have been developed into a comprehensive system and been type-approved in accordance with the INS standard. The bridge provides a complete and fully integrated navigation system with user-friendly monitors, seat, integrated and uniform software and hardware.

Photo: Norwegian Electric Systems