KMSS received type approval for Maritime Black Box

Kongsberg Maritime Ship Systems (KMSS) has received type approval for its advanced VDR (Voyage Data Recorder) - the Maritime Black Box MBB. The first orders have already been placed by Viking Lines for their passenger vessels.

The new KMSS Maritime Black Box MBB consists of three main units:

  • Data Collection Unit
  • Protected Storage Unit
  • Replay and Evaluation Unit

KMSS has been careful not to rush into the VDR market as Svein-Erik Larsen, Vice President of Navigation Systems at KMSS comments 'other companies have been selling VDR systems for a while now, but we felt that they did not meet the full potential attainable. We were willing to delay our entry into the market to ensure that we produced a product that we felt met the demanding requirements of the worlds ship owners'

Amorella and Viking Line's other passenger ferries will be equipped with VDR from KMSS.

Mr Boerje Jansson, Viking Lines commented 'the MBB from KMSS was well worth the wait, I knew that they would develop the best solution. The replay Unit is perhaps the most useful tool, as it also allows us to review events for training purposes'

The Replay and Evaluation Unit, which is used to replay events, can also be used as an excellent tool for training purposes, such as entry to port. Other functions that can be included in the MBB include the recording of data for reports and training, such as voyage reports, engine logs, analysis of parameters. Distribution of online radar and ECDIS images on the ship's administrative network, backup data to CD-ROM and interfacing the Emergency Decision Support Systems can also be included.

KMSS have invested extensive resources into developing a product that expands upon the current VDR technology, ensuring that the KMSS MBB is the most advanced VDR system on the market.

Related links: Kongsberg Maritime Ship Systems Viking Line