The Concept of 'Apps' as a Tool to Improve Innovation in e-Navigation

The current systems supporting navigation on board of ships are built on the classic concept for equipment: The system is developed, tested, type approved, installed and from that time on used with no or little modifications. Looking at other industries a regime of software and system maintenance has been established which allows more rapid updates. The development in the IT arena moves more towards modular approached, encapsulating individual components for easier implementation and delivery with limited system wide impact. This key concept is lately often referred to as the “app concept”. The e-Navigation development asks for exactly that: a way to improve innovation while ensuring system stability for the navigational components used by the navigator on the bridge. A key aspect of the success of new systems will be the ability to convert data into as information as needed in any given situation, creating knowledge for intelligent decisions increasing the competence of a navigator. The paper will focus on the following topics: – The classic “monolithic” Equipment paradigm – Modern System Architecture using components and “apps”-concept – Advantages of an approach using situational driven tool enhancements – The “app”-concept supporting the situational centric information presentation