The ferry line will install the ABB Ability™ Marine Pilot Vision situational awareness solution on-board its ro-pax Finlandia.

The enhancement offers multiple real-time visualizations of a vessel's surroundings, presenting the ship and its environment in ways beyond the capabilities of the human eye, according to ABB.

Specifically, the solution makes it possible to create a virtual model of the ship that is then superimposed on real surroundings measured using various sensor technologies.

"This allows for monitoring the vessel and its surroundings from a birds-eye view and switching to other views instantaneously. The solution makes it easier to predict vessel motions with respect to the actual surroundings and gives the user visibility of previously hidden obstacles," a press release from ABB reads.

In addition to the mechanical interface, ABB Marine & Ports Digital Service teams will support the crew to maximize the value from the system and integrate the additional tool with their current bridge team operations.

"Our goal is to improve environmental performance and safety, and we worked with ABB to achieve greater efficiency in docking and high traffic situations.  Our customers demand high levels of safety in all conditions and this solution enables our crew to provide a reliable service that doesn't comprise their expectations," Daniel Olsén, Technical Manager, Eckerö Group, commented.

Jyri Jusslin, Head of Global Service, ABB Marine & Ports, added to this, "Digitalization provides solutions for existing and newbuild ships alike. This retrofit does exactly that. Enhancing docking safety and efficiency will also allow Finlandia's crew to support their schedule, in conditions that can vary from bright sunlight to dark icy conditions throughout the year."

Photo: Eckerö Line