General information
Dynamic Positioning (DP) and Dynamic Tracking (DT) are methodologies to keep a vessel at a certain position (DP) or track (DT) using thrusters instead of mooring lines. By measuring its position (and heading) and comparing it to the required position, the DP system on board can determine its position error. During track keeping, the control system reacts on that by determining what steering action is needed to keep the vessel as close as possible to the required track.
Dynamic Positioning (DP) and Dynamic Tracking (DT) are methodologies to keep a vessel at a certain position (DP) or track (DT) using thrusters instead of mooring lines. By measuring its position (and heading) and comparing it to the required position, the DP system on board can determine its position error. During track keeping, the control system reacts on that by determining what steering action is needed to keep the vessel as close as possible to the required track.
Services & Activities
The Offshore and Manoeuvring Departments have ample expertise in the field of Dynamic Tracking. The Dynamic Tracking methodology requires insight in (Kalman) filtering of the motions, (PID) control, optimum actuator (e.g. thrusters, propellers or rudders) allocation, thruster capabilities and interaction, possible thuster ventilation in waves and the optimisation of the power consumption. A close relation exists with the developments in Dynamic Positioning. All these aspects are studied by MARIN in both model tests and simulations.
DT systems can nowadays be found on all type of vessels: hopper dredgers, rock dumping vessels, cable and pipelaying vessels but also on navy vessels such as frigates and mine sweepers.
The Offshore and Manoeuvring Departments have ample expertise in the field of Dynamic Tracking. The Dynamic Tracking methodology requires insight in (Kalman) filtering of the motions, (PID) control, optimum actuator (e.g. thrusters, propellers or rudders) allocation, thruster capabilities and interaction, possible thuster ventilation in waves and the optimisation of the power consumption. A close relation exists with the developments in Dynamic Positioning. All these aspects are studied by MARIN in both model tests and simulations.
DT systems can nowadays be found on all type of vessels: hopper dredgers, rock dumping vessels, cable and pipelaying vessels but also on navy vessels such as frigates and mine sweepers.
Facilities & Tools
Dynamic Tracking studies are carried out in the following MARIN facilities:
Dynamic Tracking studies are carried out in the following MARIN facilities:
The following tools are used to study Dynamic Tracking issues:
DPSIM: Low frequency motion simulation of moored and DP vessels
FREDYN: Seakeeping and Manoeuvring behaviour of ships in wind and waves
SHIPMA: Simulation of ships in ports or fairways (pdf)
FREDYN: Seakeeping and Manoeuvring behaviour of ships in wind and waves
SHIPMA: Simulation of ships in ports or fairways (pdf)
Software Sales
Some software tools are available for commercial use outside MARIN. A complete overview of these software tools for sale can be found under Software Sales.
Some software tools are available for commercial use outside MARIN. A complete overview of these software tools for sale can be found under Software Sales.
Experience
The list below gives a review of Dynamic Tracking projects carried out at MARIN:
The list below gives a review of Dynamic Tracking projects carried out at MARIN:
- Mine sweeper drone (RNLN), 2006
- Hydrographic Survey Vessel (RNLN), 1999-2000
- Mine sweeper drone (RNLN), 1995-1998
- Cable laying vessel (Fincantieri), 1994
- Hopper dredger (Ballast Nedam), 1994
- Hopper dredger (Boskalis), 1992
- Hopper dredger (Zanen Verstoep), 1987
Most recent dynamic tracking papers presented by MARIN
(complete overview of papers can be found under Publications)
(complete overview of papers can be found under Publications)
Close-In Precision DP using Wave Feed Forward: STLVAST Phase 2 & 3
Hughes, G., Harris, R., Quadvlieg, F.H.H.A. and Hallmann, R., Dynamic Positioning Conference, Houston, 2009
Mission based hydrodynamic design of a hydrographic survey vessel
Toxopeus, S.L., Terwisga, P.F. van and Thill, C.H., PRADS2001 8th International Symposium on Practical Design of Ships and Other Floating Structures, 2001
Hughes, G., Harris, R., Quadvlieg, F.H.H.A. and Hallmann, R., Dynamic Positioning Conference, Houston, 2009
Mission based hydrodynamic design of a hydrographic survey vessel
Toxopeus, S.L., Terwisga, P.F. van and Thill, C.H., PRADS2001 8th International Symposium on Practical Design of Ships and Other Floating Structures, 2001
Most recent dynamic tracking articles written for MARIN Report
(complete overview of articles can be found under Publications)
(complete overview of articles can be found under Publications)
Contact
For more information on how MARIN can help your organisation with Dynamic Tracking, please contact:
For more information on how MARIN can help your organisation with Dynamic Tracking, please contact:
- For model test and simulation activities: the Offshore Department or Manoeuvring Department
- For full scale measurements: the Trials & Monitoring Department