Integrated DP Solution for Largest Construction Vessel
Allseas' next construction vessel - Pieter Schelte - will be providing heavy lift and platform removal capability to the company. With Imtech Marine & Offshore as contractor for the power and drive solution, Kongsberg Maritime will supply a unique integrated Dynamic Positioning and manoeuvring solution, tailored to the operations of Pieter Schelte.
The Kongsberg Maritime integrated Dynamic Positioning and manoeuvring concept relies on a distributed and open system design, which employs a fully backed-up system-wide standardised communication network. The communication network integrates the K-POS Dynamic Positioning, K-Thrust thruster control, and K-Chief machinery automation systems, into a complete solution with unique positioning and manoeuvring capabilities required for e.g. the planned heavy lift operations.
Gerard Stenfert, E&I lead engineer, at Allseas says that the operational capabilities of Pieter Schelte are enormous. Considering the complex operations that Allseas will be involved in, a lot of trust is put in the integrated Dynamic Positioning and manoeuvring solution. The vessel employs two fully equipped redundant bridges; forward and aft (in separate fire zones). The Kongsberg Maritime supplied equipment communicates either via the redundant LAN network or via the alternative also redundant serial network. The two bridges thus provide full redundancy for each other and the total system is redundant to an extent that surpasses the DP class 3 requirements.
Pieter Schelte is due to enter service in 2011. With the U-shaped slot at the bow, the vessel can position itself around a platform jacket prior to the removal process. For field abandonment/lifting operations, the vessel will have a capacity to handle topsides of 48,000 metric tons and jackets up to 25,000 metric tons. In pipe laying mode, with a tension capacity of 1,500 (upgradeable to 2,000) metric tons, the vessel will by far outstrip the existing global fleet.
