Getting the Balance Right

摘要

Dynamic positioning (DP) systems—computer-controlled technologies that automatically maintain a vessel's position through use of its own thmsters and propellers—are being introduced to a growing variety of vessels across the maritime industry, operating under circumstances in which enhanced control of the vessel's course, speed, and heading are essential to safe and effective operations of these ships. With this requirement comes the burden of additional demands for redundancy and reliability, which has an impact on powerplant spinning reserve and, in some cases, the need for split plant operation. This can have a negative impact in the form of compromising fuel efficiency and emissions.