Calculation tools to evaluate the most cost effective voyage track are also available
Applied Weather Technology (AWT) has enhanced its BVS on board software to include Emission Control Areas (ECAs) and calculation tools to evaluate the most cost effective voyage track.
Using the latest version of BVS, Masters are able to manage their voyage track by displaying ECA zones and making them ‘no-go’ areas. By doing this, they can see their voyage track outside and inside the ECA zones. Simply moving waypoints in BVS allows Masters to visualise the impact of time in the ECA zone and compare it to the overall effect of time en route, resulting in the Master having the information to sail the optimal route, AWT claimed.
“With BVS’s ECA zone calculation tools, captains can make informed decisions about how much time to sail inside, or outside these zones,” said Rich Brown, vice president of product management, AWT. “Our goal is to give captains and ship operators the data they need to manage voyage costs while complying with IMO regulations.”
On 1st August, 2012, North America Emissions Control Area (ECA) zones became enforceable. These ECA zones extend up to 200 miles from the US and Canadian coasts, including part of the Hawaiian Islands. Notable exceptions to these areas are the Aleutian Islands and Arctic waters of North America.
Source: Tanker Operator
