How can DP systems reduce fuel consumption and emissions in offshore vessels?

1 Benefits of DP optimization

DP optimization is the process of adjusting the DP system parameters and settings to achieve the best performance with the lowest fuel consumption and emissions. This process can bring several benefits to offshore vessels, such as reduced fuel costs up to 25%, lowered emissions of CO2, NOx, SOx, and PM, and improved operational safety and reliability. The cost savings from reduced fuel consumption can be significant for long-term operations, while the environmental regulations compliance and air quality improvements can help mitigate the climate change effects. Moreover, DP optimization can reduce the risk of engine overload, blackout, or failure, thus preventing accidents and damage to the vessel or personnel.

2 Methods of DP optimization

There are various methods of DP optimization that can be applied to offshore vessels, depending on the type, size, and configuration of the DP system and the vessel. These include DP tuning, which involves adjusting the controller parameters to improve accuracy and stability; DP mode selection, which optimizes performance and efficiency by using the minimum number of thrusters and engines; and DP power management, which manages power supply and distribution. This can optimize energy consumption and emissions by matching power generation to demand and using renewable or alternative energy sources.

3 Challenges of DP optimization

DP optimization is an intricate and multifaceted task, as it involves many factors and constraints that need to be taken into account. Complexity and variability of offshore operations can influence the DP performance, efficiency, settings, and modes. Additionally, there may be trade-offs and conflicts between objectives such as fuel consumption, emissions, accuracy, stability, safety, and reliability. Furthermore, a lack of data or tools can hinder the accuracy, effectiveness, or feasibility of DP optimization. Real-time data, historical data, simulation models, optimization algorithms, or monitoring systems may not be accessible for offshore vessels.

4 Best practices for DP optimization

Despite the challenges, there are some best practices that can help offshore vessels achieve DP optimization and improve their energy efficiency and emissions reduction. For instance, conducting a DP audit to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the system, implementing a DP optimization plan to outline the goals and methods, and following a DP optimization cycle to measure, analyze, optimize, and verify. These steps can help offshore vessels plan, execute, and evaluate their DP optimization strategies, as well as monitor and adjust their DP performance and efficiency.

5 Resources for DP optimization

If you’re interested in discovering more about DP optimization and its advantages for offshore vessels, there are several helpful resources available. The Dynamic Positioning Committee (DPC) of the Marine Technology Society (MTS) is a professional organization that promotes the development and application of DP technology, offering guidelines, standards, training, events, and publications. The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) is an international association that represents the interests of the offshore marine contracting industry, providing guidance, codes, best practices, safety alerts, and reports. The Offshore Energy Research Association (OERA) is a non-profit organization that supports and facilitates research and innovation in the offshore energy sector. It conducts and funds projects related to DP optimization, energy efficiency, and emissions reduction in offshore vessels.