Kongsberg Unified bridge control
Within arm's reach. Our Unified Bridge is the human-machine interface of a broader and deep integration of ship systems and offers the operator performance, simplicity and safety with proximity. We will no longer sell this product and it is being phased out. The role of Unified Bridge is to provide the operator with a functional and easily used human-machine interface with ergonomically placed control levers, touch screens by which systems can be called up and controlled, and logically presented information on system status. The goal is to lower the operator’s cognitive load and make the workflow more efficient. In safety-critical situations a lower cognitive load will require less attention on how to operate the system and enable more focus on the actual operation, hence increasing the operational safety. This reduces the risk of environmental consequences of possible accidents causing damage to crew, vessel or installations. The bridge itself is built up from a series of modular consoles with controls and screens, the layout of which is designed to suit various types of vessels. Its design is based on results from a continuing human factors research project which has involved observation studies and data collection from vessels in service, to establish what ships’ crews actually need for safe and effective ship operation, and how best to present information without cognitive overload. The research work has also included testing experimental layouts to evaluate the cognitive loads on dynamic positioning (DP) operators. Get expert help anytime, anywhere—our global support team is available 24/7 to assist you. Upgrade your systems with tailored retrofit solutions to extend vessel life and boost performance.
Inspector Detail
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Common issues
- Touchscreen/HMI display degradation or touch response drift
- Loss of communication between bridge wing and centre console units
- Autopilot mode transition faults, e.g. an unclean hand-over from track control to heading control
- Software lock-ups requiring a workstation restart during watchkeeping
- Sensor input faults (gyro, GPS, log) feeding incorrect heading/speed data into the integrated display
- Ageing hardware causing intermittent faults, made worse by the product line's discontinued status
- Backlighting/display brightness failure affecting night navigation visibility
Inspection checklist
- Verify autopilot mode changes (standby/auto/track) respond correctly and hand over cleanly
- Check that all bridge wing and centre console displays show consistent, synchronised navigation data
- Confirm alarm and failure-to-respond functions (e.g. heading deviation alarm) operate correctly
- Test manual steering takeover from the unified bridge system
- Inspect consoles for physical damage, moisture ingress, or failing backlighting
- Cross-check gyro, GPS, and speed log inputs feeding the system against independent readings
- Review the system event/fault log for recurring communication or hardware faults
- Confirm crew are trained on manual fallback steering, given the product's discontinued status
- Check onboard spares holding against the ship's critical spares list for this system
Service intervals
| Software/configuration backup | after any change, reviewed annually |
| Sensor input calibration check (gyro, log, GPS interface) | annually, or per class requirement |
| Display/console function test | at each statutory bridge equipment survey |
| Physical inspection of consoles and cabling | every 6-12 months |
Typical wear limits
| Heading/track-keeping deviation before alarm | per the vessel's own configured autopilot alarm settings - verify against the ship-specific configuration, not a generic figure |
Ranges are typical for this design class. Always confirm against the manufacturer documentation for your serial number.
Critical spares
- Display/console unit - note the manufacturer has discontinued this product; check current spares availability with Kongsberg or an authorised service partner
- Interface/communication cards between console units
- Power supply units for console and processing cabinet
Safety
- This system integrates steering control with the bridge HMI - crew must always be able to revert to independent manual steering without delay
- The manufacturer has stated this product is being phased out - do not assume continued software/spares support; ensure a tested fallback procedure is in place
- Unexpected mode changes during track control near navigational hazards are a collision/grounding risk - verify alarm and takeover functions at each watch handover per the ship's SMS
- Electrical work on the console/cabinet requires isolation and lock-out/tag-out procedures
Class survey
Kongsberg has stated this product is being phased out and no longer sold - an important operational note: plan for spares obsolescence and confirm with Kongsberg or an authorised partner what support remains available. Bridge/steering control systems fall under statutory navigation equipment and steering gear survey requirements; class/flag state checks that independent manual steering control remains available and tested, and that the ship's SMS covers fallback procedures given the system's discontinued status.
Components & Design
Component data being added…
Technical Data
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