MERCY IBS Award
On 11 July 2023, The GBS Group was awarded a contract from the Military Sealift Command (MSC) to design, build, install, and commission an Integrated Bridge System (IBS) along with various Pilot House Upgrades for the USNS Mercy (T-AH 19).
This award follows successful IBS design projects that GBS has completed for MSC for USS Mt Whitney, USNS Zeus, and USNS Maury as well as ongoing IBS projects for the Ex-USS Bradley as part of a conversion for the Royal Bahraini Navy and the new construction ship TAGS-67 for Bollinger Shipyard.
The GBS Group follows a structured design process to develop an IBS design that fully integrates into the existing onboard systems. The upgrade will include a redesign and replacement of the existing Ship Control Console (SCC), Commanding Officers (CO) Station Console and other consoles in the Pilot House and Bridge Wings. This work comprises engineering, design, drafting, ILS development, test procedure development, material procurement, console construction, mockup, shipping, installation assistance, commissioning, and dock and sea trial support for the following systems:
- Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS)
- Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS)
- Automated Information System (AIS)
- Echo Sounder
- Speed Log
- Gyro
- Sound Powered Telephones
- Dial Telephone
- Public Address & General Alarm System
- Damage Control Systems
- Signaling Systems
- Steering Control and Alarm Systems
- Seawater Temp Monitoring
- Engine Order Telegraph
- RPM Indicator/Tachometer
- Rudder Angle/Rate of Return Indicators
- Barometer/Clinometer
- VHF/UHF/MF/HF Radio Systems
- Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
- X and S Band Navigation Radars
- Weather Fax System
- Anemometer System
- Long Range Identification Tracking (LRIT) System
- Magnetic Compass
- Bridge Navigation Watch Alarm System
- Voyage Data Recorder
In addition, The GBS Group design will encompass structural, mechanical, and electrical modifications to the Pilot House and Chart Room to remove the existing bulkhead between these spaces to create one continuous area for more efficient bridge operations.