Kongsberg Maritime K-Log authorised for use on Panama flagged vessels
The Panamanian flag state administration has authorized the use of electronic logbooks onboard all Panamanian flag vessels. The backing of the electronic logbooks by the largest shipping flag state in the world is an important milestone for Kongsberg Maritime, who introduced the first such system in 2004 and is currently the leader in electronic logbook development.
Kongsberg Maritime's current generation electronic logbook, K-Log is already installed on several vessels and approved by IMO and SOLAS, and accepted by Norway (NOR/NIS), Sweden, Denmark, United Kingdom (MCA), Bahamas, Singapore, Isle of Man, Marshall Islands and Malta. With Panamanian approval, a large proportion of the world’s merchant fleet are now able to make use of this forward looking system.
"Panama plays a crucial role within the IMO and the world's merchant fleet so we are delighted that after much hard work, the flag state has approved the use of electronic logbooks," comments Stig Wahlstrøm, Product Manager Electronic Logbooks, Kongsberg Maritime. "K-Log provides a wealth of functionality over traditional logbooks, which Panamanian flag vessels can now benefit from to improve operations."
The electronic format of K-Log enables some reporting to be carried out automatically, by integrating ships instrument data into the system. K-Log currently consists of the following logbooks:
- Deck Logbook – Records navigational events related to the voyage and operations onboard
- Dynamic Positioning Logbook – Manual recording of operations related to DP operations
- Engine Logbook – Records engine events related to the engine and machinery operation
- Oil Record Book Part I – Records events related to oil and dirty water as required by IMO's MARPOL convention
- Operational Log – Records events related to vessel operation, i.e. performance, cargo handling and maritime operations. The Operational Log will typically need some customisation to owner’s requirement and trade.
- Radio Logbook – Records events relevant to radio traffic as required by IMO and the flag states
Due to a recent legislative amendment, an E-license is required in order to use electronic logbooks onboard any ship. Users will benefit from the convenience of obtaining a single annual E-License rather than buying each of the traditional printed log books used on board during the year.
"We have proven the operational and administration benefits of using electronic logbooks and are witnessing a great deal of interest, which we believe will only increase following the authorisation by the Panamanian flag state. Electronic logbooks have an extremely bright future ahead of them, and we will continue our development and campaigning to ensure that the entire merchant fleet can benefit from this new technology," said Stig Wahlstrøm.