Development of a HMI for a novel environmentally referenced dynamic positioning sensor

When operating around offshore platforms and infrastructure, vessels rely on multiple sensors of different technologies to provide information to their Dynamic Positioning (DP) systems, enabling them to approach and maintain position. Commercially available radar and laser local position reference sensors, installed on the majority of DP enabled vessels, are used to position the vessel relative to targets installed on the infrastructure. The use of targets presents a number of safety issues and cost implications including: safety concerns during installation; unreliability of reflections due to the poor quality of targets, interference from obstructions; maintenance and CAPEX costs; increased operational time and costs. Guidance Marine (GM) is a leading global developer and supplier of DP position measurement technologies. GM has developed a novel environmentally referenced sensor to enhance the safety and efficiency of global DP enabled operations at sea in response to industry concerns and direct mandate from oil majors. During this industrial research project, GM will develop a human-machine interface that ensures that outputs of this technology hide technical complexity to the end-user and allows maximal impact of the technological advance.