Dredsing Cycle Ootimisatioph.d. Research Brings About Next Phase In Efficient Dredging

摘要

In 1999 IHC was engaged in the sea trials of a then uncommon 20,000m~3 trailing suction hopper dredger, to be delivered to Japanese Penta-Ocean Construction Co Ltd. This vessel, QUEEN OF PENTA OCEAN, with its length of 167 meters and applying a total of 27,O3OkW diesel engine power, was equipped with full-scale IHC Systems automation for efficient operation at dredging and reclamation jobs. During these sea trials a striking difference in attitude to 'automation' came to the surface. As European control engineers considered it naturally that 'automation' requires the adjustment of a host of setpoints on the basis of expert knowledge, located in the operator's brain and experience, the Japanese client expected that 'automation' meant: switch-on the ship and let her do the job hefself. Ir. Cees de Keizer, IHC Systems' head of the Research Department vividly remember; the discussion. He could settle the issue to the satisfaction of both parties. However, he did not forget the story.