Added value of integrated bridge systems for shore applications

As a result of fast developments in information and communication technology and the trend to reduce costs, the way of operating modem vessels will change. The introduction of integrated bridge systems contributes to solving the problem of the different 'islands of information' as can be seen in the present situation. The main objective of integrated bridge systems aboard of both naval and merchant vessels is to use common data from different origin. Data obtained by one function to operate the vessel should be made available for others. Integration prevents duplication of sensors and decreases the workload of the crew. Even more important, integration increases safety of operation due to, among others, the transition of manual to automatic processing and the introduction of decision support systems. The availability of common data is also important for the logistic process and typical shore applications as vessel traffic management and shore based pilotage. A vessel is sailing to transport cargo in order to fiilfil a part of the intermodal transport chain. Optimising this chain will require real-time information from the vessels at the shore. Also the transition of Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) to Vessel Traffic Management and Information Systems (VTMIS) requires additional information. It is clear that integrated bridge systems provide an added value for shore applications. To take advantage of this fact it is essential to apply new developments in communication technology (e.g. transponders) in order to exchange data between ship and shore. The paper describes the functional ideas of the Bridge2000 project with regard to the added value for the shore. The Bridge2000 project is a study, aiming to integrate information of several subsystems and to define human interfaces. Furthermore, international developments related to ship-shore communication and shore applications will be briefly presented m the paper. Topics include integrated bridge systems, developments in communication technology, transponders and shore applications.