KBIMS: Rudder/Prop Tool for DP Ops
The result of an eighteen-month joint development project between Kongsberg Maritime and Becker Marine Systems has come to fruition at Nor-Shipping 2011, with the launch of KBIMS; a support tool designed to enable more efficient use of propellers and rudders during Dynamic Positioning (DP) operations. A first pilot installation has been agreed for KBIMS, with a new Volstad offshore construction vessel, which is under construction at Fosen.
There are several advantages to using main propeller and rudder instead of azimuth thrusters during DP operations. For instance, there is no limitation of installed power and response times may be improved, therefore improving station keeping performance overall. However, with conventional rudder-propeller arrangements these benefits, which also include the possibility to reduce vessel emissions, are not always available, so Kongsberg Maritime and Becker Marine Systems set about developing KBIMS in order to improve performance for DP operations.
Once KBIMS is integrated with a Kongsberg Maritime K-Pos DP system, it can learn the characteristics of the rudder so the correct combination of rudder angle and propeller pitch/rpm is used. Exact measurements of the actual rudder force secures improved station keeping performance and more precise rudder control will reduce wear and tear of steering gear, rudder stock and bearings, so less downtime and maintenance costs are possible. Using KBIMS also fulfills regulatory requirements on DP and propulsion systems for long haul offshore operations.
