Autoship: Early Success for New Programs

Autoship Systems Corporation (ASC) said its new Autoload-Rig and Autoload 6.0 programs have enjoyed significant early sales. Included in these sales are more than 15 platforms (one of which is Thunderhorse, the largest semi-submersible ever built) and the tanker M/T Seraya Spirit of Teekay Shipping Ltd.

These new products started with the decision to design stability software specifically for the offshore industry, including a completely new interface developed from rig operator recommendations. This new interface, however, proved so desirable that we subsequently developed it for use on conventional vessels as well – and thus “Autoload 6.0” followed soon after.

The 3-D mathematical vessel model used by Autoload is the key to its remarkable accuracy and flexibility. Inclusive of all volumes (tanks, holds, empty spaces, etc), it enables accurate simulation of any floating condition (including real shift of CG for slack tanks, true wind heeling moment, and accurate damage simulation). The program predicts the effect that damage will have on stability in any direction – it calculates real shift of free surface in slack tanks according to any change in heel or trim. A separate view frame monitors the actual maxVCG curve relative to the current condition (draft/vcg).

Real-time sensor data is used for tank contents, drafts, and wind. In Autoload – Rig, sensor data is also taken for mooring and riser tension, while different criteria are used for different modes of operation. Autoload-Rig represents the next generation of stability software for semi submersible rigs, just as Autoload 6.0 has set the standard for the marine shipping industry.