New solution enables remote survey of DP systems

Bourbon plans to roll the solution out to other vessels in its fleet

Kongsberg Maritime, Bureau Veritas and offshore services provider Bourbon have successfully tested a new solution for remotely auditing the performance and integrity of DP (Dynamic Positioning) systems

Developed by Kongsberg in collaboration with Bourbon and BV, the new “DP Digital Survey” application runs on an industrial data management system said to ensure unprecedented data consistency for the verification of installed systems. It acquires information directly from the DP system and delivers it to auditors via a secure cloud infrastructure, allowing compulsory surveys to be conducted remotely.

BV says that the ability to remotely survey the data output from the Kongsberg Maritime solution is a first for the industry and a further step on the road to ever smarter ships; adding that the new application stands out from alternatives, providing real data of test completion evidence, not just photographs and video recordings.

The anticipated next steps as the DP Digital Survey tool evolves will include: increased automation of the survey process; improvements in the survey process; and the ability to establish a continuous DP survey framework allowing detailed, and continual, remote monitoring.

“The key for us is to receive reliable performance and failure data – not just photos and pictures,” said Laurent Leblanc, Vice-President, Marine Operations, Bureau Veritas.”We first check the data is of sufficient quality: data quality management is a key factor along with cyber-security for data transfer. Our expertise is then used to review and assess the data. This provides access to a higher level and depth of ‘onshore’ engineering expertise to make judgements on results.”

Eivind Alling, Vice-President of Digital Performance at Kongsberg Maritime, added: “This collaboration allows us to strengthen our core products by offering our customers tools that will reduce their OPEX and streamline their operations. Kongsberg strives for innovation and we are creating new applications that will give our end customers more control of their data to support their operations.”

“This project greatly contributes to our smart shipping program ambition; to capitalize on the digital revolution in order to stand out through a connected fleet and to reduce our operational costs,” said Frederic Moulin, One Bourbon Operations Director. “With our partners, we are ready to extend this Digital DP Survey to sister-ships in the next months and plan for further deployment later.”