Case History

Refitting of the RV Laura Bassi thanks to a nautical advice specialized

December 10, 2024

From navigation systems to safety solutions, the evolution of ship technology ensures more and more efficiency, safety and comfort. But what happens when the needs exceed standard solutions?

In this article, we present our case study: the refitting of the ship Laura Bassi, a project that required technological solutions capable of operating under extreme conditions. Through this example, we will talk about how important we think specialization in the field of marine electronics and how it can translate into concrete benefits for professionals in the sector.

Whether you are a technical manager, project manager, commander, surveyor or other decision-maker in the nautical field, this in-depth study will offer you interesting insights on how we have tackled a complex technical challenge.

The RV Laura Bassi: a jewel of Italian scientific research

The RV Laura Bassi, named after the famous 18th century Italian physicist and academic, is a flagship of Italian scientific research in the marine and polar fields. It plays a crucial role in research missions to the polar regions, with particular focus on Antarctica.

With its 80 meters in length, 17 meters wide and a tonnage of about 4,200 tons, the Laura Bassi is a real floating laboratory. Classified as an icebreaker, the vessel can reach a maximum speed of 14 knots and boasts an autonomy of 15,000 nautical miles.

The RV Laura Bassi is designed to accommodate up to 50 people between crew and researchers, offering an ideal environment for advanced studies in oceanography, marine biology, geophysics and climatology.

Built in the 1990s, RV Laura Bassi continues to play a key role in Italian and international scientific research. The recent refitting project, which has seen E-Nav protagonist in the installation of a video surveillance system capable of operating at extreme temperatures, is only the last chapter in the history of continuous updating and improvement of this extraordinary research ship.

Video surveillance in the ship Laura Bassi: the challenge of working cameras up to -40°C

The refitting project of the RV Laura Bassi, belonging to the OGS (National Institute of Oceanography and Experimental Geophysics) in Trieste, presented a unique technical challenge. The objective was to install a video surveillance system capable of operating in extreme conditions, with temperatures that can reach -40°C in the "summer" season. A demand that goes far beyond the standard specifications of commonly used video surveillance systems.

In taking on this challenge, E-Nav has demonstrated its ability to think outside the box. Instead of focusing on the camera itself, we also considered other factors. Our solution has provided the use of different models of cameras from Bosch that, in addition to the requirements due to extreme range, also took into account the shots in areas where you. This was the real challenge of the project, meeting the needs of scientific staff with the latest technological innovations in the field of Video Security.

The OGS has contacted several companies for this project, seeking a solution to this complex challenge. E-Nav was chosen from a wide range of competitors thanks to our high performance proposal and our experience in providing customized solutions for extreme or particular nautical environments.

One crucial aspect of this project was the close collaboration between the E-Nav team, led by project manager Massimo Ferri, and RV scientific staff Laura Bassi. This collaboration has been crucial to meet the specific and demanding demands of the scientific environment. The E-Nav team has worked closely with researchers to understand their needs, such as the detection of precise high or ultra-high definition areas essential for on-board research activities. This collaborative approach has allowed the development of a tailor-made solution that fully meets the unique needs of a Research Vessel operating under extreme conditions.

This project highlights our ability to:

Understand the specific needs of the customer
Offer creative solutions that go beyond standard products

Applying our experience in the nautical sector to meet unique challenges

The success of this project has not only strengthened our reputation in the industry, but also opened up new possibilities in remote control under extreme conditions.

The benefits of specialising in market niches in the nautical sector

The refitting project of the ship Laura Bassi is an emblematic example of how E-Nav addresses technical challenges in the nautical sector.

In fact, in the marine electronics market, leading brands and large companies are focusing on mass production, offering standardized solutions that can meet general needs.

E-Nav, on the contrary, has chosen to specialize in offering highly customized solutions.

This approach has several significant benefits for our customers:

Technical flexibility: we are able to adapt our solutions quickly to the specific needs of the customer, as demonstrated by the case of Laura Bassi.
In-depth expertise: our specialization allows us to develop tailor-made advice, ensuring more effective and innovative solutions.
Enhanced customer-supplier relationship: working closely with customers on unique projects, we develop a deeper understanding of their needs, fostering long term collaborations.

Continuous innovation: Facing unique challenges constantly pushes us to innovate, keeping us at the forefront of the sector.

Superior added value: Our tailor-made solutions offer significantly higher added value than standardized alternatives.

For professionals such as technical office managers, project managers, shipowners, surveyors and skippers, having a partner like E-Nav means having access to:

Cutting-edge technical solutions adapted to specific needs
Specialised technical support which understands the peculiarities of each situation
Ability to tackle complex technical challenges with an innovative and flexible approach
Optimisation of investments through targeted solutions that maximise operational efficiency

E-Nav does not just provide products, but takes a consulting approach, working alongside customers to fully understand their needs and develop customized solutions.

In a rapidly changing industry such as marine electronics, E-Nav’s ability to adapt and innovate in specific niches is a crucial competitive advantage for our customers, enabling them to remain at the forefront in an increasingly demanding and technologically advanced market

E-Nav’s tailored solutions for the challenges of marine electronics

Our work on RV Laura Bassi perfectly illustrates how E-Nav addresses and solves complex technical challenges in the marine electronics industry. Our ability to provide tailor-made solutions for highly specific needs distinguishes us in an increasingly competitive and technologically advanced market.

We invite you to consider how our specialized approach can translate into concrete benefits for your projects and operations.

Contact us without obligation to discuss your specific needs and find out how E-Nav can provide you with a tailor-made solution.