Published online by Cambridge University Press: 18 January 2010
This paper gives an account of a study carried out by the Institut Français de Navigation for the Administration de la Marine Marchande. The object of the study was to investigate the possibilities of introducing automation into the navigation of merchant ships. In addition to examining projects already underway in France and other countries, the Institut Français de Navigation sought the cooperation of numerous companies working in the electronics and computer fields and notably the Compagnie Générale d'Automatisme (C.G.A.), Compagnie Européenne d'Automatisme Électronique (C.A.E.) and Compagnie Générale de T.S.F. (C.S.F.).
Only the main features of this study are described here. Professor Hugon is Secretary-General of the French Institute.