TÜV SÜD launched its dedicated Maritime SOLAS Radar Test Range, the only independent test house in the U.K. and one of three in the world, to offer ISO 17025 accredited testing against IEC 62388.
Located in Essex on the Thames Estuary, the ex-Ministry of Defence test site meets all IEC 62388 radar range requirements. TÜV SÜD’s radar test reports are therefore recognised by maritime authorities globally, including shipping classification societies and EU Marine Equipment Directive (MED) Notified Bodies.
TÜV SÜD’s new testing facility will significantly reduce time to market for radar manufacturers. Previously they had to use multiple sites to cover various tests and were also required to accommodate witness testing by classification societies, as other laboratories are not ISO 17025 accredited.
Phil Evans, business development director for Marine at TÜV SÜD, said, “Our new facility is a real game-changer for the marine radar market. We worked directly with both MED Notified Bodies and global classification societies to ensure that our ISO 17025 accredited test reports are accepted globally. Also, as equipment manufacturers can now access a complete testing service with a single provider, they can gain access to international markets faster and more cost effectively.”