K-Bridge standalone products are equally suitable for newbuilds and aftermarket (retrofit, refit) installation. They are backed by KONGSBERG’s global 24:7 support network.

Design

Developed by users and human factor specialists, K-Bridge standalone products have been designed to support critical decision making by professional navigators.

Sensor interface

K-Bridge standalone products use a traditional sensor interface solution based on serial connection from each sensor to each operator station. A standardized sensor set-up – with dedicated ports for the respective sensors – ensures efficient configuration and installation.

K-Bridge Radar

K-Bridge Radar uses a high-speed network for collecting radar signals at the transceiver and distributing them to the display unit: a radar interface (RIN) unit converts analog radar signals to digital signals at the antenna location and sends them to the display unit over the network. Processing of the video, including target tracking, is performed locally by the display unit, and filtering is also applied locally to give the operator full control over the displayed picture. 

Optional inter-switching capabilities are available to allow different display units to access radar data from any antenna over the network. This option provides fault tolerance with respect to signal processing.

To enhance radar performance and avoid blind sectors, an additional option permits video from up to four radars to be displayed simultaneously in a composite radar picture. In such a composite picture, targets are automatically tracked across the boundaries between the sectors from each radar.

K-Bridge ECDIS

The K-Bridge ECDIS continuously monitors the ship’s position against the voyage plan. The plan can be defined at the K-Bridge Planning station or the ECDIS itself.

K-Bridge ECDIS can show radar video from selected radars – in addition to radar and AIS targets – as an overlay to the chart. NAVTEX messages referring to specific positions appear when the ship is in the area relevant to them.

K-Nav ECDIS accepts all chart formats required by the IHO. 

K-Bridge Planning

The K-Bridge Planning is a “back-office” station designed for chart maintenance and voyage planning. It provides standard ECDIS functionality – including route planning and validation – but on a desktop Panel PC.

Kongsberg Autopilot

Kongsberg Autopilot provides optimal steering under different vessel loads and, in all sea, and weather conditions. The autopilot can be tailored to make use of thrusters, traditional rudder(s) or in combinations. The autopilot can be operated in both precision and economy modes. 

The autopilot user interface is split between a dedicated control unit, operator unit and ECDIS. Modes supported include heading, course, and optionally track control.

The Kongsberg Autopilot learns, mainly during the sea-trial phase of its installation and configuration, how the vessel reacts to different rudder commands. Then, when it is controlling the vessel on real voyages, it uses this information to steer as smoothly and comfortably as possible in the given sea conditions.

K-IMS Connect

The optional K-IMS Connect unit supports automatic chart updates over a secure ship-to-shore service connection. The unit comprises a Malware Protection System (with rugged touch-control display), a Cisco router, and a type-approved marine computer.

Main features

• ECDIS
• RADAR
• Adaptive Autopilot (HCS)
• Planning

Main benefits

• Modular family of cost-effective statutory navigation products
• Complementary operator controls and consoles
• Direct sensor interface
• Simple installation and commissioning
• Networked data sharing within product family
• Designed to combine with 3rd party equipment
• 24:7 global support