Installation of navigation and radio-communication systems on Aranui 5

Context and challenges

The client, Compagnie Polynésienne de Transport Maritime, generally referred to as the C.P.T.M., is a long-established shipping company that operates the Aranui, a passenger/cargo vessel, in French Polynesia. The company has been operating vessels in French Polynesian waters for more than 60 years. Originally, the company’s activity only concerned cargo, then, in 1984, Aranui 1 started carrying passengers, thus creating the Aranui Cruises activity.

The Aranui is the only vessel that carries tourists into the central part of the Marquesas Islands.

Over the last 30 years, the company has enabled almost 45 000 international passengers to discover the islands and has thus made a considerable contribution to the development of the local economy.

In 2012, the C.P.T.M. initiated the building of a new vessel, the Aranui 5, able to carry up to 256 passengers, and with 103 cabins.

The shipping company awarded a contract to Assystem to create the navigation and radio-communication system for this new passenger cruise-cargo vessel, built in the Chinese Huanghai shipyard.

Project scope

Define and propose navigation and radio-communication systems in compliance with SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea), BV (Bureau Veritas) and SRtP (Safe Return to Port) shipping regulations
Set up a contract with our Japanese partner FURUNO, in China, for work site supervision (monitoring of schedule, resources, proper execution of the mission, etc.), systems installation and support for the international aspect of the project
Supply, deliver, install and configure systems on the Huanghai Shipyard, in China
Direct international negotiation of the systems installation contract on the Chinese shipyard
Supervision of work in China for 2 years (customer relations, setting up of systems, etc.)
Conducting of sea trials in China with the French authorities (ANFR – French radio frequencies authority and AFFMAR – Maritime affairs authority)
Supervision of the systems guarantee when the vessel reaches French Polynesia

Assystem’s mission was subsequently extended to include the annual onshore maintenance contract for all Assystem equipment.

Client benefits

Enhanced operational efficiency for navigation, through the installation of new technology, latest generation systems, providing an integrated and interconnected bridge – systems operating terminal (radar, ECDIS [Electronic Chart Display Information System], GPS)
Time saving on the systems installation phase, as the systems interface easily with the customer’s systems
Fast customer support action on the systems, through the local support facility
Guarantee for the customer that the systems comply with maritime regulations