BRIDGE is a visualization tool that provides intuitive understanding of our core Optimum Ship Routeing Service through your computer screen. Starting with a 10-day forecast and voyage information (Speed / Position / etc.) in a convenient display, route simulations and comparisons allow Master's to verify the shortest and most fuel-efficient route to their destination port. Even when underway and facing difficulties on the current voyage, realtime data recieved for the specific area required by the Master allows for confirming heavy weather along the route, and making simulations.

Weathernews provides our Total Fleet Management Service to over 4000 vessels each year, but only about 3000 of these have BRIDGE installed. With the release of BRIDGE 5.4, we are answering the needs of Masters who have used the application for many years by adding two new useful features to the standard BRIDGE functionality.

1. Oceanrouting - WNI Optimized Route Auto Display

BRIDGE 5.4 includes a new feature that automatically displays the optimum recommended route from RCs (Risk Communicators) at Weathernews. In previous versions of BRIDGE, the WNI Optimized Route was received via telex / fax. Upon receiving the route, the Master would plot the route in the application manually before checking weather conditions along the route and making route comparisons. However data for BRIDGE 5.4 contains these waypoints. Now, all a Master needs to do is click the file received from Weathernews and the recommended route will be automatically displayed on screen.

2. RC (Risk Communicator) Message Display

In addition to including recommended waypoints in BRIDGE data updates, the new version also supports the automatic display of text-messages from RCs Risk Communicators at Weathernews. Because the RC message is updated with every update to the recommended route, the Master will usually check the latest conditions along with the justification for the route. This can be easily done with BRIDGE 5.4.

The limitations imposed by faxed weather charts, and difficult to understand text-only messages are eliminated with the rebirth of BRIDGE as an enhanced communication tool. More than a simple stand-alone application, BRIDGE 5.4 is a channel for 3-way communication between Masters, Operators, and Weathernews on your PC. In it's current incarnation, BRIDGE will meet the needs of ship masters.