Long range relative positioning of offshore support vessels and drilling rigs is more reliable and effective with a new sensor unit.
Kongsberg Maritime introduced the XPR 100 microwave-based solution for DP applications that require long-range relative positioning in 2018 to enhance safety and reliability even in harsh weather.
For this innovation, Kongsberg was awarded Offshore Support Journal’s Dynamic Positioning Award during a gala dinner presentation in London. This award, which is sponsored by Damen Shipyards, recognises the developer of an innovative DP product or system, or contractor responsible for an especially innovative application of DP on a project. It was presented to Kongsberg during the Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference in London.
"This award recognises what we have done in developing sensors for DP operations for years to come," said Kongberg Maritime Vidar Bjorkedal.
Kongsberg’s XPR 100 provides precision readings, with high bearing accuracy, up to a distance of 10 km from a target, which introduces a new level of versatility for diverse DP operations. It is compact and lightweight, has no moving parts and operates in the most extreme weather conditions.
It operates in the 9.2-9.3 GHz band and each lightweight panel has an opening angle of 100°. XPR 100 can utilise several sensor panels, which can be deployed on suitable locations on the vessel dependent on the construction and operation. This provides an extended operational area and avoids blind angles.
Its performance and operation can be configured and monitored using application software, which enables the sensors to interface with remote systems via serial lines or an Ethernet-based network. XPR 100 is designed to fill the need specified by IMO for DP-classed vessels.
XPR 100 has an in-built system for testing, which means it can be verified before arriving at the location, reducing the risk of costly vessel DP system downtime. Kongsberg said XPR 100 features a highly intuitive human-machine interface that enables operators to assess the quality of vessel positioning rapidly and effectively during operations. Operators can select between a set of colour palettes and night display for operations under different light conditions.
Kongsberg won the award against stiff competition from the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) and ABB Marine. IMCA was nominated for its DP station keeping events database and detailed case studies to ensure that lessons learned from industry incidents and accidents can be disseminated throughout the industry.
ABB was nominated for its Ability Marine Pilot Control DP system. This fulfils the same role and functionality as a traditional DP system, while allowing for simplified operation through a touchscreen-based interface.