Collaboration provides real-time data and positioning services

ElecTech Solutions Ltd (ElecTech) and Lloyd’s Register (LR), a leading global provider of engineering and technology-centric professional services, teamed up to provide digital services to deliver real-time visualisation and quality control of sensor and positioning data gathered on offshore vessels and rigs.

LR initially asked ElecTech to design and manufacture a standalone unit called a V-NODE that would incorporate internal Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS), heading and Automatic Identification System (AIS) sensors. Data is sampled, recorded and compressed before being transmitted via an internal Iridium SBD satellite system.

Transmission updates and sampling periods can be controlled remotely by sending system configurations by email. The data is received and displayed within LR’s industry leading IRIS web mapping application, allowing vessel multiple positions to be plotted in real time and replay mode.

LR has successfully used the V-Node on a number of projects worldwide including site surveys, drill ship positioning and windfarm operations.

Operational experience has led to enhancements to the system, including the ability to connect and interface the V-NODE to serial or Ethernet data-streams from third-party devices, such as a vessel’s own navigation computer system or an onboard met station.

By Jake Frith