Thrust Control Systems of Propulsion and their Verification on Dynamically Positioned Vessels

Abstract

Abstract Thrust vector control systems of propulsion systems of dynamic positioning vessels are commonly applied on vessels with DP2 and DP3 class of DP. It was submitted the ways of providing information to dynamic positioning operator DPO about detecting of suspicion of failure in specific thruster and shown the ways of response in such situations. In the case of failure and shut down one of working thrusters, it must be done the possibility assessment of continuation of DP system safe operation. If such situation is not possible, it should be considered the work of DP system on limitations. It was indicated on safety threats during operation of DP systems resulting from system failure or even the design faults. It commonly applies the failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA or FMECA) from the design phase through sea trials until to the verification process during operation. It allows the elimination of majority of faults in the DP systems. It was communicated the basic conditions of safe operation of vessels with DP systems and the examples of conditions which releasing the readiness signal of DP propulsion system elements. Observed development of control and automatics systems will result in increasing the safety of DP systems operation.