Wärtsilä Corp. has made its SmartPredict, an advanced motion prediction system that uses proven dynamic positioning (DP) analysis algorithms to evaluate forces affecting the vessel, available to global shippers.

The technology from the company’s Dynamic Positioning unit was released at the recent Seatrade Cruise Global exhibition in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. SmartPredict is designed to enhance safety by reducing the risks associated with maneuvering a vessel.

Wärtsilä’s advanced SmartPredict software goes beyond the basic input parameters available in most prediction systems by adjusting for the motion characteristics of a specific vessels. These parameters include:

  • Current position and heading;
  • Velocity and rate of turn and all associated accelerations;
  • Manual commands from the coordinated control joystick; and
  • Environmental input from the onboard wind sensor(s).

SmartPredict evaluates all of these factors continuously, allowing it to constantly update the vessel’s path.

The user-friendly display allows the operator to toggle on or off the “ghost ship” indicators for predicted positions. SmartPredict also allows the user to configure the time steps for the predictions. It is also fully compatible with the Electronic Chart Display & Information System overlay function.

“Allowing the operator to see into the future enables smarter and safer ship handling decisions to be made, thus lowering the risk of accidents occurring,” says Maik Stoevhase, director, anc and integrated systems, electrical and automation, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions. “We see SmartPredict as being an important step toward more automated procedures, such as docking, and eventually fully autonomous vessel maneuvering.”

—Joseph Markman

Offshore