New SYNAPSIS software enhances bridge performance

Safe and efficient navigation is a demanding task. High traffic density, restricted waters, frequent port approaches and additional operational tasks place constant pressure on bridge teams. In these situations, crews need clear situational awareness, the right information at a glance and tools that support confident decision-making.

SYNAPSIS addresses these challenges by bringing navigation data together into one consistent picture and providing a high-quality, integrated toolset that supports safe navigation and efficient ship operation.

The upcoming SYNAPSIS software release takes this focus a step further. It introduces new and refined functions across Radar, ECDIS and Conning applications, with a strong emphasis on situational awareness, workload reduction and intuitive bridge operation.

Key enhancements in the summer software release

The upcoming SYNAPSIS update 5.10 introduces enhancements that focus on clearer situational awareness, safer navigation and smoother workflows, consistently integrated into the existing SYNAPSIS user experience.

Seamless integration of external data with Generic Overlay

With Generic Overlay, external systems can now stream their data directly into the ECDIS NX application, visualizing sensor images like sonar data, ice radar information or oil spill detection results as overlays on the electronic chart. Navigators can enhance their situational awareness by working on a single display that combines all relevant data. There is no need to process information across several systems with different User Interfaces (UIs), presentations and workstation limitations. This reduces workload, improves situational awareness and supports efficient teamwork on the bridge.

Improved Conning UI and Ship Helicopter Operating Limits (SHOL)

The release introduces an updated Conning UI that is well-structured, organized and designed in line with open bridge principles. Optimized layouts improve readability, visibility and ergonomics, ensuring that essential navigation and ship data can be assessed at a glance.

An important functional enhancement is the integration of SHOL. Clear graphical visualization of helicopter approach and landing limits supports safe and efficient ship–helicopter operations, which are an increasingly common requirement on passenger ships, offshore vessels and specialized commercial platforms. The same use case applies for larger aerial drones.

Enhanced safety in confined and shallow waters

Navigating restricted or shallow waters requires precise control of safety margins. The software release introduces Asymmetric Cross Track Distance (XTD), allowing different safety limits to be defined for port and starboard sides of a planned route, including for each leg. This enables navigators to plan with both maximum safe maneuvering space and a precise intended route in mind.Complementing this, Shallowest Leg Depth displays the minimum depth found along each route leg within the defined XTD corridor. This provides immediate insight into potential under-keel clearance risks such as squat and strengthens passage planning and monitoring. It is particularly valuable for ships with tight tidal windows or minimal depth margins. It also supports the documentation of proper passage planning in combination with the export functionality.

Optimized bridge operation during anchoring and harbor maneuvers

The update also delivers improvements for harbor and anchoring operations. Anchor Watch has been enhanced with dual-anchor monitoring, adjustable alarm ranges and an intuitive drag-and-drop setup, ensuring reliable position monitoring even under challenging wind or current conditions.

To further reduce unnecessary distractions on the bridge, Harbour Mode suppresses selected non-relevant alerts when operating alongside or in port, while Blackout Mode allows alerts to be temporarily silenced in well-controlled situations. Both functions are designed with clear safeguards to ensure safe and intentional use.

Further refinements across navigation and planning

In addition to the major enhancements, the software release includes a range of further refinements that streamline daily navigational tasks, such as:

  • World Port Index search for fast and intuitive port location
  • Import and export of passage plan elements for efficient route sharing
  • Automatic proposal of the next best waypoint during track control
  • Visual refinements to target trails for improved movement perception

In addition, the Task Switcher has been comprehensively revised. The new design enables faster access to applications and tasks, supporting smooth workflows during high-workload situations and contributing to overall bridge efficiency.

SYNAPSIS: an integrated platform that keeps evolving

SYNAPSIS is an integrated, software-defined navigation platform that provides the bridge team with a consistent, validated and shared situational picture across Radar, ECDIS and Conning applications. Built on a common data backbone and a harmonized UI, SYNAPSIS enables confident decision-making in all operational conditions.

Its modular, software-defined architecture ensures that new functions can be introduced seamlessly and consistently across the system without changing established workflows or increasing complexity on the bridge.

Strengthening SYNAPSIS as a premium bridge system solution

With this software release, SYNAPSIS further strengthens its position as a premium integrated bridge system for operators seeking a holistic navigation solution. By combining Radar, ECDIS and Conning applications into one coherent system, SYNAPSIS provides navigators with a consistent view of the situation across all workstations, supporting clear situational awareness and safe, confident decision-making.

Enhanced tools and improved access to relevant information ensure that bridge teams receive the best possible situational picture and the support they need to operate safely and efficiently, today and in the years ahead.

For further information you may contact the Official Distributor and Support Center for Greece:

Aegean Electronics SA

4 Zosimadon Str, Piraeus 185 31, Greece

Tel: +30 210 4123000

E-mail: info@aegeanel.com