ABB adds DP2 capability to pilot control solution

ABB says its Ability Marine Pilot Control functionality is key for vessels working alongside fixed structures

ABB is adding DP2 dynamic positioning functionality to its ABB Ability Marine Pilot Control solution.

Designed to optimize vessel responsiveness, efficiency and safety across the entire operating profile, ABB Ability Marine Pilot Control allows the use of joystick control for maneuvering at all times, including around the berth.

The solution’s maneuvering capability is based on predicting where the vessel will be in 5-30 seconds, instead of measuring its position on arrival. Software calculates the optimum way of executing decisions across the operational profile, depending on how the operator has prioritized speed, maneuverability or other parameters.

Integrating DP2 functionality to the solution will add redundancy in technical design, says ABB, ensuring that the vessel’s position will be maintained in the event of a single system fault, This is particularly crucial for safe and reliable operation of construction and wind farm vessels working alongside fixed structures.

Launched in September 2018, ABB Ability Marine Pilot Control has been granted an Approval in Principle (AiP) certificate by Lloyd’s Register, which has now extended the AiP to now include the DP2 functionality.

“Developments in digital technology are accelerating and Lloyd’s Register is focused on supporting the safe adoption of system innovations that find new ways of addressing industry needs, such as DP,” said Nick Brown, Marine & Offshore Director, Lloyd’s Register. “Increasingly, we are seeing benefits to vessel safety, efficiency and sustainability from greater digital enablement. In extending the earlier AiP for ABB Ability Marine Pilot Control to include DP2, we are acknowledging it as a system with the redundancy to maintain position safely in the event of a single failure.”

“Integrating DP2 capabilities into ABB Ability Marine Pilot Control underpins ABB’s commitment to a stepwise journey towards autonomous operations,” said Mikko Lepistö, Senior Vice President Digital Solutions at ABB Marine & Ports. “Our intelligent maneuvering and control system, now at the disposal of all types of DP2 vessels, provides seafarers with technologies that enhance their skillsets and support conning decisions.”

As well as integrating new functionality in the solutions’ human-machine interface, the DP2 performance draws on ABB’s experience as a DP systems supplier and insights gained from supplying the propulsion technology on which they rely.

Rather than reacting to external conditions, ABB Ability Marine Pilot Control’s DP optimizes energy efficiency against internal power plant status. This enhances responsiveness, efficiency and sustainability of vessel operations. For example, accurately forecasting that a slight load peak will last only a short time can avoid powering up another diesel generator.