Autoload To Interface With Simrad

Autoship Systems Corp. of Vancouver, Canada, along with its partner Coastdesign, Norway have recently signed a contract with Kongsberg Simrad AS for the development of an interface between Autoship's Autoload program and Simrad's Vessel Control System (VCS). Autoload is a DNV type-approved onboard stability and strength monitoring program, while VCS includes dynamic positioning and joystick-control systems, position mooring, thruster control and vessel automation systems. The premiere application of the VCS/Autoload combination will be installed on a drilling rig owned by Sedco Forex Offshore — the offshore contract drilling business owned by Schlumberger. The combined product, which enables the user to experience the monitoring and control capabilities of VCS — along with the analytical capabilities of Autoload, features an auto trim capability. This function allows both systems to automatically adjust the ballast in selected tanks to keep the rig at a depth, trim and heel as specified by the operator.