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Revolutionizing Marine Navigation: Sonardyne’s SPRINT-Nav DP System for Precise Shallow Water Operations

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Oleksandr Kaiukov

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The Future of Marine Navigation: Sonardyne’s SPRINT-Nav DP System

Introduction to SPRINT-Nav DP

The launch of Sonardyne’s SPRINT-Nav DP system marks a significant milestone in the marine industry, offering a groundbreaking dynamic positioning (DP) solution tailored for shallow water operations. This advanced system integrates high-grade inertial navigation with Doppler Velocity Log (DVL) technology, providing accurate and reliable positioning without relying on GNSS signals. This makes it ideal for offshore wind farms and nearshore operations where GNSS signals are often disrupted or unavailable.

Dynamic Positioning: A Revolution in Maritime Operations

Dynamic positioning (DP) systems have revolutionized maritime operations by enabling vessels to maintain precise positions and headings without relying on traditional anchoring methods. This advanced technology has become indispensable for various maritime activities, including offshore drilling, subsea construction, and scientific research, where maintaining a fixed position is crucial for operational efficiency and safety Worldwide Metric.

To maintain position, the DP system measures the position of the vessel, the forces acting on it, and the movements of the vessel Nautical Institute. Drill ships that use DP can hold their position extremely effectively, offering a safer way of steadying the vessel compared to traditional mooring methods Nautical Institute. Dynamic Positioning (DP) is a computer-controlled system to automatically maintain a vessel’s position and heading by using its own propellers and thrusters Wikipedia.

DP systems are designed to minimize fuel consumption and wear and tear on thrusters and propulsion equipment. It is vital that regular DP DP Marine control systems maintain floating structures in fixed position or pre-determined track for marine operation purposes exclusively by means of active thrusters Science Direct. Using a DP System FMEA, operators can prioritize maintenance and improvements while adhering to marine regulations, improving overall operational reliability. In the end, Dynamic Positioning Systems represent a transformative global technology in maritime operations that minimizes risks and enhances safety LMITAC. Dynamic Positioning (DP) operations are integral to modern shipping management, offering precise maneuverability and station-keeping capabilities essential for complex maritime tasks Amca Marine.

Dynamic Positioning, often referred to as DP, is a critical technology in modern maritime operations. From offshore oil rigs to wind farms and diving support vessels, DP systems allow ships to maintain their position and heading without the need for anchors or mooring lines Seavium. Dynamic positioning systems are integral to modern marine operations, enabling vessels to maintain their position and maneuver in challenging environments. Whether it’s for drilling, construction, or accommodation purposes, the reliability of DP systems is paramount TMC Marine.

Technical Specifications

The SPRINT-Nav DP system is a cutting-edge dynamic positioning (DP) solution designed by Sonardyne, specifically tailored for shallow water operations where GNSS signals are unreliable or unavailable. This system combines the precision of Inertial Navigation System (INS) technology with Doppler Velocity Log (DVL) technology to provide a robust and reliable DP reference. Here’s a detailed look at its technical specifications and operational capabilities:

Components and Functionality of the Inertial Navigation System (INS)

The SPRINT-Nav DP system features a high-grade Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) that includes Honeywell ring laser gyros and accelerometers. These components work in tandem to provide precise measurements of the vessel’s heading, pitch, and roll. The IMU is crucial for maintaining accurate navigation data even in the absence of external positioning signals, such as those provided by GNSS. The system’s IMU continuously monitors the vessel’s movements and orientation, ensuring that any deviations from the intended course are quickly detected and corrected.

Doppler Velocity Log (DVL) Technology

The DVL technology integrated into the SPRINT-Nav DP system is a key component that enhances the system’s accuracy and reliability. The DVL uses acoustic signals to measure the vessel’s velocity relative to the seafloor. This technology is particularly effective in shallow water environments where the seabed can provide a stable reference point. The DVL’s bottom-lock capability allows it to maintain a consistent lock on the seabed, even in the presence of surface waves and currents. This ensures that the system can provide accurate positioning data regardless of the vessel’s operational depth, making it ideal for a wide range of shallow water and nearshore operations.

Pre-Calibration Process

One of the standout features of the SPRINT-Nav DP system is its pre-calibration process. Before deployment, the system undergoes a rigorous calibration procedure to ensure optimal performance. This pre-calibration ensures that the system is immediately operational upon arrival at the site, saving valuable time and resources. The pre-calibration process includes fine-tuning the IMU and DVL components to account for any environmental factors that could affect their accuracy. This pre-calibration process is a testament to Sonardyne’s commitment to providing a reliable and ready-to-use solution for dynamic positioning in challenging environments.

Operational Readiness

The SPRINT-Nav DP system is designed to meet the stringent requirements of DP class 2 and above operations. Its integration of INS and DVL technology ensures unparalleled accuracy and reliability when dynamically positioning the vessel. The system’s pre-calibration ensures that it is operational as soon as it arrives on site, making it ideal for a wide range of shallow water and nearshore operations where GNSS signals are often spoofed, blocked, or distorted by nearby structures such as turbines and risers or coastal geography. This operational readiness is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of vessel operations in these challenging environments.

Accuracy and Reliability

The SPRINT-Nav DP system is engineered to deliver high levels of accuracy and reliability. Its IMU provides heading accuracy of 0.04° (secant latitude) and pitch/roll accuracy of 0.01°. The DVL technology ensures typical survey accuracy of 0.02%, and the system can maintain station keeping within 2 meters over 24 hours. These specifications make the SPRINT-Nav DP system a trusted choice for dynamic positioning in GNSS-denied environments, where precision and reliability are paramount.

Performance and Reliability

The performance and reliability of Sonardyne’s SPRINT-Nav DP system are paramount considerations for its effectiveness in dynamic positioning (DP) operations, particularly in challenging environments where GNSS signals may be unreliable.

Accuracy and Precision

The SPRINT-Nav DP system boasts exceptional accuracy and precision, which are crucial for maintaining the vessel’s position in dynamic conditions. The system’s Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), featuring Honeywell ring laser gyros and accelerometers, works in tandem with the Syrinx DVL and a high-accuracy pressure sensor. This integration ensures unparalleled accuracy and reliability when dynamically positioning the vessel.

  • Heading Accuracy: The system achieves a heading accuracy of 0.04° (secant latitude), which is essential for precise navigation and station-keeping.
  • Pitch/Roll Accuracy: The SPRINT-Nav DP system maintains a pitch/roll accuracy of 0.01°, further enhancing its ability to maintain a stable position even in dynamic conditions.
  • Survey Accuracy: The typical survey accuracy is 0.02%, ensuring that the system provides reliable position data for various surveying applications.

These high levels of accuracy and precision are achieved through the system’s tight integration of INS and DVL technology, which allows for seamless data fusion and improved performance. The system’s pre-calibration ensures that it is ready to operate immediately upon deployment, further enhancing its reliability and operational efficiency.

Station-Keeping Capabilities

Station-keeping is a critical aspect of DP operations, and the SPRINT-Nav DP system excels in this area. The system’s ability to maintain station is demonstrated by its performance in dynamic conditions, where it can keep the vessel within a 2-meter radius over a 24-hour period. This capability is crucial for operations such as offshore windfarm development, where precise station-keeping is essential for the safe and efficient installation of wind turbines.

The system’s station-keeping capabilities are further enhanced by its bottom-lock technology, which allows it to lock onto the seabed for positioning reference. This technology is particularly useful in shallow water operations, where GNSS signals may be unreliable due to interference from structures or coastal geography. The bottom-lock technology provides a reliable alternative to GNSS, ensuring that the system can maintain accurate positioning even in challenging environments.

Environmental and Operational Considerations

The SPRINT-Nav DP system is designed to operate in a variety of environmental conditions, making it a versatile choice for DP operations. The system’s depth rating of 100 meters allows it to operate in shallow water environments, where GNSS signals may be unreliable. Additionally, the system’s operating temperature range of -5 to 50°C ensures that it can function reliably in a wide range of environmental conditions.

The system’s titanium housing construction and individually water-blocked and replaceable DVL transducers further enhance its durability and reliability in harsh environmental conditions. These features ensure that the system can withstand the rigors of subsea operations and maintain its performance over time.

Compliance with Industry Standards

Compliance with industry standards is essential for the safe and efficient operation of DP systems. The SPRINT-Nav DP system is designed to meet the mandatory class requirements for DP operations, ensuring that it can be used as an alternative position reference in a vessel’s DP system. The system’s compliance with industry standards, including EN60945, CE, and UKCA, further enhances its reliability and operational safety.

The system’s pre-calibration ensures that it meets the required accuracy and precision standards upon deployment, further enhancing its compliance with industry regulations. Additionally, the system’s ability to provide bottom-lock positioning in shallow water environments ensures that it can be used in a wide range of DP operations, further enhancing its versatility and reliability.

Conclusion

The SPRINT-Nav DP system’s performance and reliability make it a valuable asset for DP operations, particularly in challenging environments where GNSS signals may be unreliable. Its exceptional accuracy and precision, coupled with its robust station-keeping capabilities and compliance with industry standards, make it a reliable choice for a wide range of DP applications. The system’s ability to operate in shallow water environments and its durability in harsh environmental conditions further enhance its versatility and reliability. As a result, the SPRINT-Nav DP system is an ideal choice for operators seeking a reliable and accurate DP solution for their vessels.

Applications and Use Cases

The SPRINT-Nav DP system from Sonardyne is designed to enhance vessel efficiency and safety across various operational scenarios, particularly in offshore wind farm development and nearshore construction.

Enhancing Vessel Efficiency in Offshore Wind Farm Operations

Offshore wind farms present unique challenges due to the harsh and dynamic marine environments. The SPRINT-Nav DP system is specifically tailored to meet these demands, offering accurate and reliable positioning without relying on GNSS signals. This capability is crucial for ensuring the stability and efficiency of wind turbines during installation, maintenance, and repair operations. By providing a robust DP reference, the system helps operators to:

  • Minimize Downtime: The pre-calibrated nature of the SPRINT-Nav DP system ensures that vessels can be operational as soon as they arrive on site, reducing downtime and increasing overall productivity.
  • Improve Safety: Accurate positioning is essential for safe operations in offshore environments. The system’s ability to operate in GNSS-denied areas reduces the risk of collisions and other incidents, thereby enhancing safety for both crew and equipment.
  • Cost Efficiency: The system’s efficiency translates to cost savings for operators. By reducing the need for additional sensors and equipment, and by minimizing downtime, the SPRINT-Nav DP system helps to lower operational costs.

Safe and Reliable Operations in Nearshore Construction and Maintenance

Nearshore construction and maintenance operations often take place in coastal and nearshore areas where GNSS signals can be disrupted or blocked by nearby structures. The SPRINT-Nav DP system is designed to address these challenges, providing a reliable positioning solution that:

  • Operates in Challenging Environments: The system’s integration of high-grade inertial navigation and Doppler Velocity Log (DVL) technology enables it to operate effectively in environments where GNSS signals are unreliable or unavailable. This makes it ideal for nearshore construction and maintenance operations, where accurate positioning is critical for safety and efficiency.
  • Enhances Operational Safety: By providing a consistent and reliable DP reference, the SPRINT-Nav DP system helps to minimize the risk of accidents and incidents. This is particularly important in nearshore areas where the consequences of errors can be severe.
  • Supports Complex Operations: The system’s flexibility and adaptability make it suitable for a wide range of nearshore operations, from the installation of offshore wind turbines to the maintenance of coastal infrastructure. Its ability to operate in challenging environments ensures that operators can complete their tasks safely and efficiently.

Addressing GNSS Signal Disruptions in Coastal and Nearshore Operations

GNSS signal disruptions are a common issue in coastal and nearshore operations, where structures and other obstacles can block or distort signals. The SPRINT-Nav DP system is designed to overcome these challenges, providing a reliable positioning solution that:

  • Operates Independently of GNSS Signals: The system’s integration of inertial navigation and DVL technology enables it to operate independently of GNSS signals. This makes it ideal for operations in areas where GNSS signals are unreliable or unavailable.
  • Provides a Consistent DP Reference: By using the seabed as the positioning reference, the DVL bottom-lock technology ensures that the system provides a consistent and reliable DP reference, even in challenging environments.
  • Enhances Operational Flexibility: The system’s ability to operate in GNSS-denied areas enhances operational flexibility, allowing operators to complete their tasks safely and efficiently, regardless of the environment.

The Flexibility and Adaptability of the System in Different Marine Environments

The SPRINT-Nav DP system is designed to be flexible and adaptable, making it suitable for a wide range of marine environments. Its integration of high-grade inertial navigation and DVL technology enables it to:

  • Operate in Shallow Water: The system’s ability to operate in shallow water makes it ideal for a wide range of offshore operations, from the installation of wind turbines to the maintenance of coastal infrastructure.
  • Provide a Robust DP Reference: The system’s integration of inertial navigation and DVL technology ensures that it provides a robust and reliable DP reference, even in challenging environments.
  • Enhance Operational Efficiency: By providing a consistent and reliable DP reference, the SPRINT-Nav DP system helps to enhance operational efficiency, reducing downtime and lowering costs.

In conclusion, the SPRINT-Nav DP system from Sonardyne offers a comprehensive solution for enhancing vessel efficiency and safety in offshore wind farm development and nearshore construction. Its ability to operate in GNSS-denied environments, provide a robust DP reference, and enhance operational flexibility makes it an invaluable tool for operators in challenging marine environments. For more information, visit Sonardyne.

Market and Industry Impact

The market and industry impact of Sonardyne’s SPRINT-Nav DP system are significant, particularly in the context of the growing demand for shallow water DP operations. This chapter delves into how the system meets these needs, the competitive advantages it offers, and its role in regulatory compliance and safety.

The Growing Demand for Shallow Water DP Operations and Industry Trends

The demand for shallow water Dynamic Positioning (DP) operations has been on the rise, driven by various factors. One of the primary reasons is the increasing utilization rates and stability in day rates, which indicate a growing interest in these operations. This trend is particularly notable in the offshore wind farm sector, where the need for precise positioning systems is paramount. The market for offshore support vessels is projected to grow significantly, reaching a value of around USD 32.20 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% between 2024 and 2032. This growth is driven by deeper and more remote offshore explorations, which necessitate specialized support vessels GlobeNewswire.

SPRINT-Nav DP Differentiates from Traditional GNSS Systems

SPRINT-Nav DP represents a leap forward in shallow water vessel positioning by removing GNSS dependencies. Traditional GNSS systems, while widely used, have limitations, including vulnerabilities and failure points. SPRINT-Nav DP integrates high-grade inertial navigation with Doppler Velocity Log (DVL) technology in a single, pre-calibrated unit. This integration ensures continuous, uninterrupted navigational aiding, even if GNSS service is impaired. The system’s independence from GNSS signals makes it particularly suited for GNSS-denied areas, providing assurance that positioning remains accurate and reliable Maritime Journal.

Enhanced Operational Efficiency and Reliability Offered by the System

The SPRINT-Nav DP system offers enhanced operational efficiency and reliability, which are critical for the success of shallow water DP operations. The system’s pre-calibration ensures immediate operational capability, saving time and cost for vessel operators. The integration of high-grade inertial navigation and DVL technology provides high accuracy and a position update rate comparable to GNSS. This reliability is essential for the safety and efficiency of operations in challenging environments. The system’s compact design and pre-calibration make it a cost-effective solution, offering excellent performance relative to its size. This makes it ideal for a wide range of applications, from offshore wind farms to nearshore operations Sonardyne.

Regulatory Compliance and Safety Considerations

Regulatory compliance and safety are paramount in the offshore industry. SPRINT-Nav DP has undergone extensive trials and validation tests to ensure it meets the mandatory class requirements as an alternative position reference into a vessel’s DP system. This compliance is crucial for ensuring the safety of operations and the protection of both personnel and the environment. The system’s reliability and accuracy are essential for meeting regulatory standards, which are designed to ensure safe working conditions and prevent hazards and risks. Compliance with regulations is not just a legal requirement but also a moral obligation, ensuring the safety and well-being of those involved in offshore operations Safety Culture.

Conclusion

Sonardyne’s SPRINT-Nav DP system represents a pivotal advancement in marine navigation technology. By addressing the growing demand for reliable positioning in challenging environments, it offers a competitive edge to operators in the offshore wind and nearshore sectors. The system’s integration of DVL technology and pre-calibration capabilities ensure operational efficiency and safety, making it an indispensable tool for modern marine operations.

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