The Marine Technology Society has honoured Kongsberg Maritime Dynamic Positioning veteran, Nils Albert Jenssen with a distinguished achievement award for his services to Dynamic Positioning. Nils Albert, who is internationally recognised as one of the world's leading engineering authorities on DP, received the award at the DP user seminar, organised by the society, in Houston, 24-25 September 2007.
The Marine Technology Society is a highly respected non-profit organisation made up of ocean engineers, technologists, policy makers and educators. The award committee was motivated to present the 'Distinguished Achievements Award' to Nils Albert because of his dedication to advancing DP technology and applications over the decades, stating:
"Nils Albert Jenssen has played a key role in the development of DP Software and control systems for almost thirty years. He has also been the driving force behind the evolution of the highly successful Kongsberg systems. Today he is internationally recognized for his depth of knowledge on all aspects of Dynamic Positioning, and for his contributions at numerous conferences and discussions. The DP committee of the Marine Technology Society is pleased to recognize Dr. Jenssen's great contributions to the industry with its 2007 Distinguished Achievement Award. "
Both prior to and after completing a doctorate in engineering/cybernetics from the Norwegian University of Technology in 1980, Nils Albert was involved in development of modern DP software and control theory. During this time he supported the trials and commissioning of Kongsberg Maritime's first DP system and subsequently joined the company in 1982 as the lead software development engineer in charge of integrating DP into new applications, operational areas and computer technologies.
He became a Product Manager in 1992 and is currently Vice President, Business Development where he continues to play a critical role in Kongsberg Maritime's DP and vessel control product development.
"I was truly honoured to receive this award after spending the best part of 30 years working with DP," says Nils Albert. "Dynamic Positioning has changed a great deal in this time and I am extremely happy to have played a role in the development of this vital technology."