HamiltonJet Debuts JETanchor Positioning System
Global waterjet manufacturer HamiltonJet has launched its latest vessel positioning system, JETanchor.
Developed from the blueARROW controls platform JETanchor is the newest addition to the HamiltonJet controls’ product range, developed and tested over the past 18 months, in response to strong market demand for small vessel positioning systems. Aimed predominantly at Pilot boats, Fireboats, SAR, Patrol, Survey, DSV and small Offshore Crewboats, the JETanchor system provides a cost effective “dynamic-positioning-type” system for smaller vessels.
HamiltonJet Global Marketing Manager Albear Montocchio said, “The product has undergone rigorous and extensive testing on two commercial vessels, an offshore crew-transfer vessel and a coastal survey vessel. This comprehensive process has enabled our designers to apply what they have learned: doing what we do best, we’ve innovated and refined the JETanchor making it easier to both manufacture and service in the field.”
“Through the development of the JETanchor we have been able to advance several market leading features of our waterjet control system, which now incorporates these advantages,” Montocchio said. “This exciting product launch is one of many to come in the next three to four years as HamiltonJet has invested heavily in R&D programs.”
According to HamiltonJet, one standout feature is a new anchoring system using GPS location. It is essentially a virtual anchor mode, which allows the vessel to weathervane off a fixed GPS point under prevailing wind and sea conditions. As a result the operator enjoys a hands-free vessel positioning with comfortable vessel motion and at low engine rpm minimizing fuel usage.
Another smart design feature is a station keeping mode, which allows the vessel to automatically hold a GPS position and heading more accurately than can be done manually, allowing the operator to be hands-free for other helm operations.
In addition the JETanchor system is set-up with an autotune routine, which automatically tunes the control system to specific vessels dynamics and makes it very easy to install.
HamiltonJet said the JETanchor positioning system will provide commercial operators with valuable, tangible benefits resulting in a significant reduction in operator workload and crew fatigue especially on standby, a potential reduction in operational crew numbers, an improvement in fuel consumption and accurate positioning for survey work, ROV deployments and standby-modes.
