AMI Marine has secured approval from the Panama Canal Authority (PCA) for its Non-Portable Piloting Aid (NPU) option within the SMIDS Pro GNSS Speed Log system.
The approval confirms the system’s suitability for vessels operating in environments requiring high-accuracy speed, distance and heading data, particularly in constrained waterways such as canal transits.
SMIDS Pro builds on the company’s legacy SMIDS platform, which has been deployed across multiple vessel types as a long-established speed logging solution.
The upgraded system introduces a redesigned architecture aimed at improving integration, reliability and long-term operational support.
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Key enhancements include high-precision GNSS-based measurement of speed, distance and heading, improved performance in challenging operational conditions, and a modernised system framework designed for easier integration with existing onboard bridge systems.
The platform also includes a structured upgrade pathway, allowing operators to transition from legacy SMIDS systems with minimal installation disruption while improving compliance alignment and navigational data accuracy.
AMI Marine said the upgrade approach is designed to support fleet-wide adoption across vessel types, particularly where consistent speed logging and pilotage support are required.
For more information:
Panama Canal Authority – https://pancanal.com/en/
