Succesful ENC Tests for Panama Canal
The Panama Canal Authority has completed the first round of tests in the installation of its new Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) system utilising CARIS software at the Simulation Center, Research and Development Maritime in Panama. This new system will make navigation in the Panama Canal both safer and more efficient.
The Panama Canal Authority worked in close partnership with CARIS to provide the data components of the cartographic database of the Panama Canal. This included information relating to the new locks and the depths of the various areas of the sea route. CARIS provided the expertise, training and support to fully utilize the selected CARIS software. The Panama Canal Authority acquired BASE Editor for the creation and management of bathymetric surfaces and S-57 Composer for the production of ENC’s.
The project entailed the creation of two main electronic charts: one for the Atlantic coast and one for the Pacific coast, as well as other more specific cartographic products within the canal. These ENC’s are initially being used in a simulator as part of the training program for the canal pilots. In the future the ENC’s will be mandatory for any vessels approaching or intending to transit the canal.
Currently the Panama Canal carries around 13,000 oceangoing transits per year with a total weight of 300 million tons. This amount of traffic is close to capacity for the canal, making the safe and efficient handling of transport paramount.
The updated nautical charts system is compliant with all international standards and agreements issued by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
