Vessel Stabilization Against Offshore Assets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for stabilizing waterborne vessels against stationary structures, such as offshore assets, are either risky due to human error or inefficient due to high energy usage and increased emissions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a sensor system, a processor, and a vessel control system that autonomously stabilizes the vessel by calculating and applying the minimum corrective force needed to maintain stability against the stationary structure, reducing energy consumption and emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If full throttle is used to drive the vessel against the offshore asset in a bump and jump operation, then the friction coefficient between the vessel and the offshore asset increases significantly, but energy usage increases and operational range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel control system dynamically adjusts the thrust delivered by the propulsion system based on real-time sensor data about vessel position and motion relative to the offshore asset. Instead of maintaining full throttle continuously, the system delivers thrust only when and where needed to maintain stable contact, optimizing the balance between friction force and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the propulsion system from fixed full-throttle operation to variable thrust levels. The processor calculates the minimum corrective force required based on sensor data and adjusts the thrust parameter accordingly, delivering sufficient force to maintain friction contact while minimizing energy usage.
2Force
If full throttle is used to drive the vessel against the offshore asset, then the friction coefficient increases to overcome motion caused by sea state, but carbon emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically modulates propulsion system operation based on actual vessel motion and position feedback. By delivering thrust only when needed to maintain stable contact rather than continuous full-throttle operation, the system reduces fuel consumption and associated carbon emissions while maintaining sufficient friction force to overcome sea state effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potentially harmful effect of continuous high-thrust operation (excessive emissions) into a benefit by using intelligent control to deliver only the minimum necessary thrust. The harmful factor of emissions is reduced while the beneficial effect of stable vessel contact is maintained through optimized thrust delivery.
3Ease of operation
If manual control is used to keep the boat aligned relative to the offshore asset, then operational flexibility is maintained, but human error increases safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system continuously provides feedback data about vessel position, motion, and alignment relative to the offshore asset. The processor uses this feedback to calculate corrective actions and adjust propulsion system thrust in real-time, maintaining safe alignment without requiring continuous manual intervention. This closed-loop feedback system eliminates human error while preserving operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The vessel control system performs self-correction by automatically adjusting thrust based on sensor feedback about vessel alignment and position. The system serves itself by detecting alignment deviations and autonomously delivering corrective thrust, eliminating the need for continuous human monitoring and control while maintaining safety.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided systems and methods for stabilising a vessel against a stationary structure. Embodiments of the system include a sensor system, a processor, and a vessel control system. The processor is configured to determine a change in the position and/or motion of the waterborne vessel relative to the stationary structure based on sensor data, and to determine a minimum corrective force required to oppose the change. The minimum corrective force is then delivered by the vessel control system operable to stabilise the waterborne vessel relative to the stationary structure.