Vessel positioning system to improve safety
Azurtane is developing an advanced vessel positioning system capable of positioning vessels within 4cm of a given location to make operations safer whilst continuously reducing carbon emissions.
The UK marine technology firm will work with Isle of Wight-based ferry operator Red Funnel to carry out trials on the company’s high-speed craft RedJet7, beginning late April 2019. Azurtane managing director, Don Gregory, said the tool will allow users to see exactly where a vessel is in relation to the wharf down to millimetres in accuracy.
He said: “Azurtane’s technology can assist commanders to be even more efficient and furthermore act as a training tool for less experienced officers.”
High-speed efficiency
He believes that there are two critical aspects to maintaining an efficient high-speed ferry service.
“Governed by a strict timetable, the craft must reach their way points, notional interim destinations, with only a few seconds’ leeway if they are to arrive on time,” Mr Gregory said.
“Achieving that is not as simple as putting your foot down and catching up lost time. That would just add to fuel cost and carbon emissions. The secret is to be aware of the external factors that may delay the ferry such as tides, currents, wind and other vessels in the Solent. Minimising the fuel burn to each way point is a skill developed over years of command.”
Limiting the time to berth safely is the second critical activity, he added. Manoeuvring relies on significant skill and experience if berthing is to be carried out in the shortest time with minimal fuel burn and no damage to the vessel.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
