By adding new technology and features and integrating them with the navigation systems on the bridge, RH Marine enables naval vessels to navigate more and more accurately. This allows them to better fix their position, better detect other object and become less dependent on GPS.

In order to give naval vessels more opportunities to fix their position, the Dutch leading system integrator has integrated an optical bearing device (OBD) in WECDIS, RH Marine’s digital chart system for military purposes. The optical bearings of objects, such as lighthouses and other landmarks, are automatically displayed on the digital chart. Also the system can send back data to the OBD, which makes it unique in the industry.

Objects that are important for navigation can also be embedded into the radar grid log, so that the radar can fix the ship’s position based on these fixed points. Both features make naval vessels less dependent on satellite navigation systems like GPS. Those systems can be distorted and are sometimes less accurate.

In order to improve the accuracy of position fixes, RH Marine has developed R95 Ellipse. This special algorithm calculates the most likely position of the ship with 95 percent accuracy, based on radar, GPS or OBD bearings. That position is displayed on the map in the form of an ellipse. ,,This ensures that the various departments or even ships know that they' are all talking about the same target.,” says portfolio manager Marcel Vermeulen of RH Marine.

To make it easier for naval vessels to enter a port using optical navigation, they can log visual bearings of known objects like lighthouses as a landmark in the navigation system.

RH Marine also extended its Voyage Planning Station (VPS), a 55 inch touchscreen that replaced the former paper chart, with new features. In addition to pointing, planning and calculating voyages and routes, photos and videos can now be added. These can be viewed with one click on an icon on the digital sea chart. This makes places and objects more visible, especially if these data are shared with the entire fleet. ,, The VPS offers a lot of added value for both the navy and yachts.” says Vermeulen. ,,Most new features we add are requests from end users in the operational branch. We are able to translate those requests into new technological features. That is what we do best.”

The development of software for augmented reality glasses (AR) for bridge officers can also be seen in that context. Because they have to watch screens more and more while navigating, there is a need to project the most relevant data as virtual layers onto those kinds of glasses, while they are looking outside. Vermeulen: ,,By developing this we again prove that we are the innovative company that allows navy vessels to navigate better.”

On 16 March, the team behind the first AMELS 220, PROJECT WAKA, celebrated a significant milestone in her construction as the technical launch took place inside one of the covered drydocks at the AMELS yard. The 67.1-metre superyacht (220 ft) will now complete outfitting before her delivery in summer this year.

The AMELS project team celebrated the launch together with the Owner’s team, including Captain Paul Bickley and Antoine Larricq from Fraser Yachts, who also represented the Owner during the build.

“Now we are less than 3 months from delivery,” Mr Larricq commented during the launch. “Everyone is really impressed how seamless this project has been. This is the result of all those hours of work and meetings, cutting materials, selecting marbles, and now we are right on schedule.”

The AMELS 220 is a timeless design by Tim Heywood, capturing the very best of the British designer’s much-loved exterior signature. The design draws on the pedigree of the original AMELS 212 yachts delivered to date, but stands out with newly elongated decks plus a large 65-square metre Swim Platform and Beach Club (7,040 sq ft).

Winch Design created a custom interior design for the Owner. Alongside seven suites, plus large indoor and outdoor socialising areas, totalling 1,150 square metres (12,300 sq ft), the AMELS 220 offers amenities for celebrations and hosting special guests with 7-star service. A surprising amount of storage, including the tender garage for two 8-metre tenders (27 ft), supports watersports, beach parties and journeys off the beaten track.

The ocean-going world traveller is proven for her performance and comfort, with a highly fuel efficient full displacement hull form and energy recovery system on board.