The first Brunvoll BruCon DP2 dynamic positioning system has passed third party verification onboard the offshore vessel ‘Stril Mar’, on which it was fitted as part of a larger power and energy management system upgrade supplied by Norwegian company SEAM.
The upgrade and sea trial took place at Westcon Yards in Ølensvåg. Owner Simon Møkster Shipping ordered all batteries, power management system upgrade, and the BruCon DP2 system retrofit through SEAM, and requested that all updates should be in coordination with the existing Unified Bridge concept onboard.
Svein Mannes, Project Manager SEAM said: “This project has been relatively complex with the larger number of suppliers involved, and short deadlines. It has been great to see all contributors working well together and managing all challenges as a team. The new DP2 system from Brunvoll seems to be built on a good philosophy with simplicity and user-friendly interfaces in focus. I have the same impression of Brunvoll in this project as from earlier, of professional and experienced industry peers who approach challenges head on. Commissioning has progressed surprisingly well, despite this being the first delivery of Brunvoll’s BruCon DP2 system. For us, the next upgrade for Møkster starts already in the middle of February, and we in SEAM will continue on our mission of implementing hybrid battery systems for the maritime industry.”
The Brunvoll BruCon DP2 system employs a human centred interface design, developed inhouse using the latest research and methods on control theory, with estimation and filtering based on nonlinear passive observers. The system is based on the fifth generation BruCon Control Systems platform, with a modern modular software architecture. The models, which estimate the environment continuously, extend to the whole speed range of the vessel, including the highly non-linear medium range at about 4 to 8 knots.
With less test time outside the harbour than expected, the system was effectively tuned, adjusted, and verified, ready for third party testing less in under 48 hours.
Frode Bloch, EVP Engineering, Brunvoll said: “A great emphasis has been put on creating a control system which models the real world, and we have developed advanced inhouse simulation capabilities to make sure that our systems reflect and adapt physical laws and the environment. This resulted in a sea trial which verified that the BruCon DP2 control system was already well adjusted in the simulation environment. Already set variables were controlled, but not changed, prior to third party verification onboard. I am impressed with the Brunvoll team and the effort that has been put into our new product.”
Simon Møkster Shipping CEO Anne Jorunn Møkster said: “It’s been some exciting weeks for us in Simon Møkster Shipping with major upgrades for battery and energy management systems, and retrofit to the BruCon DP2 system from Brunvoll. But the best part is that everything works together. Now, Stril Mar sails again, and continues the contract for Equinor after a successful upgrade. Simon Møkster Shipping has several initiatives at the moment. The next upgrade project is starting in a few weeks. At Simon Møkster Shipping, we are actively working towards being as energy efficient as possible, constantly seeking opportunities to reduce consumption and emissions. The battery option is a fantastic supplement for reducing emissions, and additionally, there is the safety aspect of having multiple energy sources to rely on in critical situations. For us, it’s positive to work with Brunvoll on this project. Over the years, we have had good experience with Brunvoll’s thrusters. Of course, there have been some challenges as with all suppliers, but Brunvoll has been supportive and delivered when needed. As we realised that Brunvoll was expanding their range with more products, we decided to take a next step with Brunvoll and their BruCon DP2 solution. When dealing with multiple suppliers, it’s easy to end up with them pointing fingers at each other. Therefore, we see it as an advantage to reduce the number of suppliers, and Brunvoll has a fantastic and long history both in terms of products and service.”
Brunvoll’s BruCon DP2 system is offered both for new builds and as retrofit option.
Bloch concluded: “The focus going forward is to set ourselves up for expected large scale sales and deliveries, and make sure that the Brunvoll level of quality and precision is ensured throughout the customer experience.”
Image: ‘Stril Mar’ (credit Brunvoll/Svein Erik Økland)
