Bourbon orders PC Maritime ECDIS for IMR newbuilds

APRIL 2, 2013 — Paris-headquartered offshore services giant Bourbon has ordered Navmaster ECDIS from Plymouth, U.K., based PC Maritime for its latest generation IMR (Inspection, Maintenance & Repair) vessels being built in Zheijiang shipyard, China. Four dual Navmaster ECDIS have been supplied, with a further five Bourbon Evolution 800 series vessels to be equipped this year and in 2014.

Bourbon Evolution 802 is the first of nine newbuild vessels being fitted with PC Maritime’s dual ECDIS

The first vessel to be equipped with the Navmaster ECDIS, Bourbon Evolution 802, is operating off the coast of Nigeria and reports good satisfaction levels with the system. Its crew is using PC Maritime’s onboard familiarization training course to gain Type-specific certification, and five officers have already received certificates.

Bourbon Evolution 800 project manager Arnaud Rampal commented: “I liked the simplicity of Navmaster ECDIS and we are having good support from PC Maritime.”

Bourbon’s newbuilding managing director, Olivier Daniel, said: “Having ECDIS onboard our vessels is a smart move. It makes sense to use this equipment especially now that the availability of charts has improved. Our reasons for installing Navmaster ECDIS are firstly to enhance navigation safety and secondly to improve the management of charts onboard.”

PC Maritime is also supplying Navmaster ECDIS to Bourbon’s latest platform supply vessels, the 15-vessel Bourbon Liberty 150 series building in Zheijang shipyard. The first vessel will be delivered in the second quarter this year.

Bourbon Evolution 802 is the first of nine newbuild vessels being fitted with PC Maritime’s dual ECDIS.