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Unveiled at SMM 2014 in Hamburg this week, the web-based module connects directly to the ship’s IT and satellite communication systems without the need for a separate PC.

With VDRConnect, the ship manager ashore can log into an IP-based web portal to request specific data files to be downloaded from the VDR and select intervals for automatic transmission. 

“We perceived that the data collected by the VDR can have commercial value beyond the primary function of after-the-fact accident investigation, so we designed our remote access solution to facilitate easy, efficient and economic transfer of data from the VDR to the home office,” said Danelec CEO Hans Ottosen.

“Most commercial ships today have limited satellite capacity and satellite airtime is very expensive. With the VDRConnect solution, the ship manager does not have to download the full VDR memory, but can request only the data sets required and control the frequency of transmission.”

Mr Ottosen said this can be used to detect unsafe navigation practices. “Using data from the VDR, the ship manager can set up remedial crew training, correct poor practices and create event-driven rules for parameters such as depth beneath keel at speed, traffic separation scheme adherence or voyage plans, with automatic warnings for deviations detected.”

Danelec says that VDRConnect can also provide a portal for remote configuration of the VDR and reviewing data for the mandatory VDR Annual Performance Test before the service personnel board the vessel.

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