L-3 Marine Systems International (L-3 MSI) announced today that it has been awarded a contract to provide a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art navigation, lighting and communication systems for the third ship in Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum class.
Built by Meyer Werft at its Papenburg shipyard in northern Germany, the 348-metre-long, 158,000-gross-ton ship is the sister vessel to Quantum of the Seas, due to be delivered this year, and Anthem of the Seas, to be launched in 2015, both of which have been similarly outfitted with L-3 equipment.
“The three-ship project marks the next step in L-3’s growing support of the world’s premier cruise ship fleets with proven, cutting-edge shipboard system solutions,” said Ulrich Weinreuter, president of L-3 Marine Systems International. “The ships’ design incorporates environmentally friendly and sustainable elements, and we are extremely proud to contribute to this major undertaking.”
The bridge equipment for the latest vessel includes L-3 SAM Electronics’ NACOS Platinum navigation system, comprising five X- and S-band radars serially linked to 10 Multipilot workstations for the combined display of ARPA, radar, ECDIS and conning functions, in addition to those for automatic steering control and voyage planning.
The scope of supply is completed by subsidiary sensors consisting of AIS, DGPS, Doppler logs, echosounders, gyros, rudder steering, and indicator and wind/weather navigation aids. Supplementary support facilities comprise a full range of internal communications systems as well as a GMDSS A3 set.
L-3’s NACOS Platinum series is complemented by an advanced dynamic positioning system with three-axis joystick controllers, one CP1 DP controller, and interfaces for suitable environmental and position reference sensors shared with the NACOS Platinum Bridge System. The special cruise software was developed by L-3 Dynamic Positioning & Control Systems for two main azimuthing drives and three tunnel thrusters.
Integrated DP functionality will be available at Multipilot workstations for the main operator console and both bridge wings through a user-friendly touch-screen interface. Part of the specialty cruise ship software package provides modes to support station-keeping with reduced fuel consumption and machinery wear.
Additionally, L-3 FUNA will provide its latest public address (PA) system, including a UHF system, to comply with “Safe Return to Port” requirements. Another important aspect of FUNA’s contribution are its architectural dimming and LED lighting systems, a general alarm network, a sunblind security system, and the shipwide sound-powered telephone and talk-back systems.
L-3 will also be providing power distribution support via L-3 SAM Electronics’ low-voltage (LV) switchgear package, which covers main and emergency switchboards, fire zone substations, a motor control center, local motor starters, power distribution boards, AC room automation cabinets, fire damper controls and LV transformers.
