Efficient and Safe DP through Enhanced CMS Analyses and Electric Thrust Control

Abstract

Safe Dynamic Positioning (DP) is crucial for the mission success of an offshore ship. The Voith Schneider Propeller (VSP) has proven itself as a reliable propulsion system for DP ships because it generates thrust forces in longitudinal and transverse direction very quickly and accurately. The fast thrust generation of the VSP makes it possible, in addition to the DP task, to significantly reduce the roll motion of the ship. Due to the high DP accuracy and the reduced roll motion, the VSP allows the vessel to increase significantly its working range with respect to the weather window.

To further improve the reliability of Voith Schneider Propulsors, Voith provides a high-quality Condition Monitoring System (CMS). All sensor data recorded with this CMS are evaluated immediately and precisely in order to avoid unplanned failures. The data are the basis for predictive maintenance.

The CMS system provides valuable data to reduce fuel consumption. Especially with the VSP there is a multitude of combination possible regarding RPM, longitudinal and transversal pitch, use of Voith Roll Stabilization, Hot-Standby-Mode etc. A systematic evaluation of these Voith-CMS data is a very efficient basis for an improvement of the use of the ship.