NAVTOR News

​Pay As You Sail pioneer NAVTOR has welcomed the decision by the Japanese Hydrographic Office to formally approve the use of PAYS for ENC. Almost all hydrographic offices have now accepted PAYS as a method for distributing digital charts, and the Norwegian e-navigation specialist believes full global acceptance is on the horizon.

NAVTOR introduced the PAYS concept to the market with its DNV GL type approved offer in 2012. Since that point PAYS has emerged as a preferred solution for shipowners and operators, with approximately 80% of NAVTOR customers now opting for the delivery method.

​Global e-navigation leader NAVTOR and Weathernews inc.(WNI), the world's largest private weather service company, have signed a collaboration agreement. The contract will see NAVTOR significantly upgrading its weather information offering within its route planning software NavStation, while also working with the Japanese headquartered firm to develop a ground-breaking artificial intelligence (AI) routing service. This, NAVTOR claims, could revolutionise route planning, efficiency and safety within the maritime industry.

​NAVTOR has announced that the world’s first digital chart table, NavStation, is now the first software to offer fully integrated ADMIRALTY e-Nautical Publications (AENPs). The feature has been added as an option on the upcoming NavStation 4.1 release, and will simplify information management for navigators, and support route planning and compliance with SOLAS regulations and Port State Authorities.

​Shipping can be unpredictable. No matter how thorough the navigator is when planning a voyage, changes in weather, accidents, injuries, or unexpected technical difficulties can suddenly occur.  When incidents create a need for assistance or force the vessel to change its route, situational awareness is critical for both the crew and the management on shore. 

Marine Superintendent at the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research, Odd Jarle Pollen, recently experienced the benefits of using NavTracker when one of their vessel suffered mechanical difficulties in the North Sea near the Orkney Islands.

“It has been an amazing journey so far,” says Todd Allen, Regional Manager of NAVTOR USA while getting ready for the upcoming CMA Shipping 2018 in Stanford. “US shipowners and operators have been very receptive to the way NAVTOR can enhance their operations and deliver real benefits in efficiency. Now I am looking forward to connecting with both new and existing customers in Stanford. This is one of the premier shipping gatherings in North America, so it is definitely important for NAVTOR to be represented here.” 

The Seattle based NAVTOR USA Inc, which is the latest addition of the Norwegian e-Navigation specialist’s global offices, had its Grand Opening in early January. Representatives from ship owners, industry groups, government organizations and the Consul of Norway attended to celebrate and formally welcome the Norwegian company. NAVTOR CEO, Tor Svanes, was also present to share the company’s excitement of being part of the US maritime community.
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 “Seattle has traditionally been a maritime center in North America, but nowadays it is more famous for its large IT community,” comments NAVTOR CEO Tor Svanes. “This makes NAVTOR a great fit for the city since our company has been built with experiences in both sectors.”