Remote VDR testing for Liberia-flagged vessels is now available
Furuno Electric Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Nishinomiya, Japan) has received approval from the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) to use its remote monitoring and troubleshooting platform HermAce as an alternative for the onboard Annual Performance Test (APT) of the Voyage Data Recorder (VDR). HermAce previously obtained certifications for Marshall Islands and Panama-flagged vessels under ClassNK. Now, the APT of the VDR can be conducted remotely for Liberia-flagged vessels, paving the way for the expected widespread adoption of examination methods leveraging digital technology.
About Furuno’s HermAce
HermAce uses a Digital Twin (a virtual replica) of bridge equipment based on data streamed directly from the vessel that offers live identification and diagnosis of problems. By using HermAce, it is possible to obtain in real-time all the detailed information remotely. Potential failures can be detected and notified immediately, pursuing the idea of preventive and proactive maintenance for the safety and peace of mind of the navigation.
For more details about HermAce:
https://www.furuno.com/en/merchant/hermace/
About remote VDR APT
Each year a VDR requires an APT by a qualified engineer, who must visit the vessel to check the operation and record of voyage information. However, for vessels equipped with HermAce, VDR data can be extracted remotely. Its remote diagnosis using real-time and historical data, preparation such as acquisition, conversion, and recording of data necessary for periodic inspections, and confirmation by engineers based on logs and other evidence, enables to conduct the performance testing equivalent to the conventional method, even in remote locations. Cost saving is expected to be achieved by reducing the time for prearrangement and that engineers have to spend for ship visits.
Related Links:
Announced on June 29, 2023 (Furuno) Furuno has received approval from AMP to use HermAce as a tool for remote VDR APT
https://www.furuno.co.jp/en/news/general/general_category.html?itemid=1344&dispmid=961
Announced on March 17, 2023 (ClassNK)：ClassNK grants Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions to HermAce developed by FURUNO
https://www.classnk.or.jp/hp/en/hp_news.aspx?id=9423&type=press_release&layout=1
Announced on July 31, 2020 (ClassNK)：ClassNK launches “Innovation Endorsement” service for certifying innovative technology
https://www.classnk.or.jp/hp/en/hp_news.aspx?id=5184&type=press_release&layout=5