Alstom to Equip DP-Controlled Vessels

Allstom will install an integrated DP system from its acclaimed 'A' Series in Cunard Line's Queen Mary ll, which will be the largest cruiseliner ever built when it goes into service in 2003. In contrast, the company has also secured an order to fit a compact DP stand alone system from the same series into what will be one of the smallest DP controlled vessels in the world - a 14.9 metre long multipurpose catamaran. The vessel, owned by MIKA AS, is being built at the Ulvan Bät AS shipyard in Norway. Dynamic positioning enables vessels to maintain station without anchoring, avoiding the need to have contact with the seabed and minimising environmental concerns about damage to the local eco-system. Cruise ships in particular benefit from such systems as it gives them a greater choice of locations for tendering. Thrusters are used to counteract the effects of wind, current or wave action - increasing passenger comfort in all weather conditions. The A series is a complete vessel control system which combines dynamic positioning with a broad range of automation functions. The 344 metre long QMll, which is being built at ALSTOM's Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in France, will be fitted with an ADP02 integrated system, which can be operated from three points on the vessel. It offers full joystick contol - manual and auto-heading - as well as conventional DP functions including station keeping, anchor mode, auto pilot, transit, auto speed with Doppler log and 'relaxed DP'. Relaxed DP offers the additional benefit of considerable fuel savings and reduced wear and tear on power generation and propulsion equipment. QMll will also be equipped with an ALSTOM and Rolls Royce MermaidTM podded propulsion system - the first four-pod installation to date. Each pod has a rated power of 22mW and will provide a speed of nearly 30 knots with low noise and vibration levels. Paul English, Offshore Sales and Business Development Manager for ALSTOM's Marine and Offshore activity, said: "The modular nature of the A series means it is flexible enough to incorporate a wide range of features for all types of vessel, regardless of whether it is a huge cruise liner or a 15 metre catamaran."