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Sperry Marine launches CompassNet at SMM 2016

Maritime September 13, 2016

Northrop Grumman’s Sperry Marine business unit launched CompassNet – a network-connected ship heading management system which allows for the deployment of different configurations which can be upgraded easily and affordably – at the recent Shipbuilding, Machinery and Maritime (SMM) technology show in Hamburg, Germany.

CompassNet allows multiple ship heading management controls through the ground-breaking use of standard ethernet connectivity to link the heading sensors and the distribution portion of the heading management system. As a fully type-approved system, it provides improved efficiency for a wide range of sensors and controls configurations from a basic set-up to more complex arrangements with redundant monitoring stations.

CompassNet will benefit a wide range of vessels including high-end commercial ships, cruise liners and survey vessels as well as military support and control vessels.

CompassNet improves system redundancy and resiliency by offering ‘plug and play’ functionality through the use of fewer required control and display units. With a reduction in cabling requirements of up to 80%, the system reduces installation and commissioning costs. Fewer connections make it easier to enhance heading management requirements with additional equipment. Functionality is further simplified through the use of two 24V DC power sources for all components. Additionally, a Sperry Marine NAVITWIN V control and display unit allows for connecting up to five heading sensors. Besides the installation process, ethernet technology in a Sperry Marine heading management system facilitates modularity and improves reliability, operational performance and consequently navigational safety.

Jeanne Usher, Managing Director, Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine, said: “The flexibility of CompassNet, combined with a significant decrease in the cabling required, makes the system particularly attractive to shipyards for new builds. The reduction in both material quantities and installation time will create lower costs for shipyards and owners.”

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CompassNet Germany Hamburg Jeanne Usher Managing Director Ministry of Defence MOD NAVITWIN V Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding Machinery and Maritime SMM Sperry Marine technology show UK

Post written by: Domhnall MacInnes

I am a features writer for MOD DCB magazine and Defence Online and a Content Marketing Executive with BiP Solutions.