In Maritime Propulsion, there is no 'one-size-fits-all' DPS for Vessels

If the dynamic positioning (DP) system went down on an offshore supply vessel, it could result in a collision. On a dive support vessel, it could result in injury or death for a diver. On a drilling rig, it could result in a blowout with loss of life, pollution and fire.

Built-in redundancy is key to avoiding failures, and this in turn determines the thruster, electrical and engine configurations that are designed to enable DP systems.

“There is no single, universal solution,” says Lauri Tiainen, Director Thrusters and Propulsion Control Systems, Wärtsilä Marine. “Each vessel has unique operational requirements and design considerations. Vessels working in shallow waters, especially those supporting walk-to-work operations, require different system solutions compared to traditional oil and gas vessels operating in deeper waters.”

The company’s design philosophy begins by examining the hydrodynamic and aerodynamic forces acting on a vessel and determining how best to counteract these forces with thrusters. This includes assessing the placement and integration of steerable and tunnel thrusters within the hull to optimize propulsion efficiency. Electrical systems, gensets and DP control systems are then chosen to support the required redundancy and performance needs.

DP is gaining prominence in vessels involved in offshore wind