DP-PHINS Adds to Acoustics

iXBlue expanded the functionality of its PHINS inertial navigation system (INS) to interface with third-party acoustic positioning equipment, providing INS-enhanced acoustic data input to marine dynamic positioning (DP) systems. DP-PHINS can also take data from a range of additional sensors, some not normally associated with DP, such as Doppler velocity logs (DVL), for use in maintaining vessel position. Using INS with acoustics in this way produces positioning data that is smoother, more accurate and is updated at a higher rate. Consequently, station-keeping performance is significantly improved, vessels use less fuel, and wear and tear on the DP system components is reduced.
 

(As published in the May 2013 edition of Marine Technologies - www.seadiscovery.com)