eSync is a revolutionary solution that eliminates the need for physical AVCS media, such as DVDs and USB sticks, on vessels, thereby removing the necessity for manual data transfers to the bridge. Once installed and connected to the vessel’s communication system and the bridge’s Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), regardless of brand, eSync significantly streamlines the data upload and management process and minimizes the risks associated with manual handling.
ChartWorld CEO Steven Schootbrugge said, “The UK Hydrographic Office’s move to charge for base media DVDs from January 2025 is confirmation that the maritime industry is finally, and irreversibly, transitioning away from physical media reliance. And this is a good thing. This shift enhances the operational safety and efficiency of increasingly complex systems and improves environmental sustainability by reducing physical waste and delivery miles.”
eSync facilitates secure data exchange with ChartWorld servers through a robust VPN tunnel, ensuring compliance with the IEC 61162-460 standard for cybersecurity. As the trend towards greater onboard connectivity continues to rise, driven by connectivity advancements such as Starlink, eSync offers a reliable method to update onboard ECDIS data—including ENC data, route files (rtz, csv), and CIO+ data (ChartWorld Information Overlay+)—without the need for physical media.
Certified to meet IEC 61162-460 standards for Ethernet interconnection safety and IEC 60945 standards, eSync stands out as the leader of a new generation of industrial maritime gateways, serving as a secure bridge between onboard ECDIS and ChartWorld’s NavCloud servers.
Key Features of eSync:
- Enhanced Network Security: Utilizing a multilayer inspection firewall to protect the network.
- Comprehensive Access Control: Network and transport layer access control based on addresses, ports, and protocols.
- Efficient Data Management: Streamlined download, application, and storage of weekly AVCS Base Media.
- Seamless Data Exchange: Effortless transfer of MyRA routes and CIO+ data files between the ECDIS and ChartWorld NavCloud servers.
By adopting eSync, shipping companies not only contribute to a more sustainable future but also benefit from seamless, direct updates to their ECDIS. Moreover, eSync enhances the cybersecurity of onboard systems by minimizing exposure to online threats, providing a secure and efficient alternative to traditional data management methods.
“Many—most—in the maritime community will welcome the shift to a no-base-media operation,” says Schootbrugge. “With eSync, we are proud to lead the way in transforming how the industry approaches data management and cybersecurity, ensuring a safer, more efficient future for global shipping fleets.”
