Removing GNSS dependency for shallow water vessel positioning

Building on the company’s decade-long expertise in hybrid acoustic-inertial navigation systems, SPRINT-Nav DP integrates high-grade inertial navigation with doppler velocity log (DVL) technology in a single, pre-calibrated unit. 

“SPRINT-Nav DP represents a leap forward in shallow water vessel positioning,” said Duncan Rigg, business development manager – vessel systems, at Sonardyne.

“By removing GNSS dependencies, we’re enabling operators to work more efficiently and dependably in challenging environments.”

Offshore wind demand

SPRINT-Nav DP was developed in response to SPRINT-Nav customer’s requests and an increasing demand for shallow water DP operations from the offshore wind farm sector.

The system has undergone extensive trials and validation tests to ensure it maintains the mandatory class requirements as an alternative position reference into a vessel’s DP system.

What makes SPRINT-Nav DP different is that it provides accurate and reliable positioning without the need for a GNSS signal. This makes it ideal for a wide range of shallow water operations, including offshore renewable energy and nearshore work where GNSS signals are often spoofed, blocked or distorted by nearby structures.

This latest addition to the SPRINT-Nav family aims to save DP vessel operators both time and money. The DVL bottom-lock technology, effective up to 230m depth, means there is no need to deploy sensors or other equipment as the seabed itself is used as the positioning reference.