As part of a refit, Anschütz has equipped the polar research vessel “RRS Sir David Attenborough” with the new Synapsis NX integrated navigation system and modernized radar systems.
The British polar research vessel “Sir David Attenborough” was launched around ten years ago on behalf of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It was commissioned in 2021 and now the navigation systems on board are due for an update
Since its commissioning in 2021, the polar research vessel “RRS Sir David Attenborough” has been equipped with navigation systems from Anschütz. As part of a recent refit, Anschütz has equipped the ship with its new Synapsis NX integrated navigation system (INS) and modernized radar systems. The new technology is intended to increase the stability and performance of the bridge system and ensure safe navigation even in the most demanding polar conditions.
The “Sir David Attenborough”, built by the British shipyard Cammell Laird, is one of the most modern polar research vessels in the world. The 129 m long ship operates in the Antarctic under the strict requirements of Polar Code ice class 4 and Lloyd’s Register class notation LR NAV1 IBS.
Synapsis update for “RRS Sir David Attenborough”
Following the first delivery of the navigation systems in 2017, Anschütz has now completed a comprehensive refit of both the radar systems and the INS. This included the installation of the latest generation of compact marine computers and software updates. Five multifunction workstations were equipped with the latest version of Synapsis software, which offers improved user-friendliness and greater system stability.
The updated software provides the ship’s bridge with improved situational awareness and an expanded set of navigation tools presented via modern, intuitive user interfaces. Enhanced route planning, voyage management and positioning functions are available via the ECDIS, supporting safe and efficient navigation.
Synapsis NX is type approved according to the MSC.252(83) and IEC 61924-2 performance standards for integrated navigation systems. The system meets current regulatory requirements and complies with demanding class notations. Based on a pure LAN architecture, Synapsis enables complete control of all functions from any workstation. The multifunctional system provides a consistent user experience with harmonized data, alarms and terminology, reduces distractions and supports a clear situational awareness. The INS integrates radar systems, precision autopilots and a redundant gyrocompass system.
The Sir David Attenborough is owned by the Natural Environment Research Council and operated by the British Antarctic Survey for both scientific research and logistical purposes.
“We are delighted to be able to demonstrate the benefits of our advanced Synapsis software and to be working with the British Antarctic Survey,” said Joscha Lorenz, Head of Technical Support & Service at Anschütz. “Synapsis meets the highest standards and we work closely with our customers to provide reliable and safe navigation solutions.”
