Kelvin Hughes' ice navigation radar proves popular with users

Earlier this year Kelvin Hughes introduced its MD^ICE software, which is already receiving high praise from its users.

MD^ICE is a software that delivers ice navigation capabilities through a commercial MantaDigital radar. Kelvin Hughes claims the capabilities delivered match or exceed that of the performance of special-purpose ice navigation radars, but at a much lower cost. Flemming Haase, Kelvin Hughes’ Ice Navigation expert said the product has “the lowest purchase and maintenance cost on the market.”



The software improves target detection by a scan-to-scan correlation technique, which integrates the returns from numerous scans. The use of advanced image processing techniques provide enhanced visual quality of the returns, which allows for clearer target differentiation via quasi-3D representations of ice, debris, and other stationary or slow-moving objects. Its adjustable gain controls allows its operator to achieve the best presentation in varying sea conditions.

MD^ICE software is installed in a MantaDigital radar, and requires no additional or specialised hardware. Alternatively, for those already using this type of radar, an easy and cost-effective software update is all that is needed. “If a vessel already has MantaDigital radar fitted, the software upgrade is very easy and extremely cost effective,” said Haase.

It uses an enhanced target display (ETD), present on all current MantaDigital systems, and its widescreen display allows for two radar pictures to appear on a single screen. The MD^ICE processing can be applied to either the main or secondary radar window, which allows its operator to use the radar in the normal way, though with the addition of a simultaneous ice detection view.



Mikko Lindqvist, Master of the Finnish cargo vessel Baltic Excellent, has said the MD^ICE software “works very well, especially when we are operating in ice channels in the Baltic Sea.” He said it was “easier to follow than on a conventional display,” and praised the ice mode, which he said “helps us to see and find the ice walls.”

Craig Whiteway, Marine Operations Superintendent of the Woodward Group, said the software “has surpassed all expectations.” He said that “in a difficult Arctic environment it has proved to be an excellent tool in assisting the bridge team to select the safest passage through ice infested waters.”



The MD^ICE software is an important step alongside the evolving climate and its impact upon trade, said Haase: “The availability of efficient, cost effective ice navigation radar is becoming increasingly important as changes to the Arctic sea ice open up commercial opportunities for high latitude navigation in new trading routes.”

All images supplied by Kelvin Hughes Ltd.

Related Links

Kelvin Hughes Website

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