DP systems have become increasingly complex in their configurations and in their operation aince they were introduced some 50 years ago; sensors have become more sophisticated, there are more of them and the same level of increased complexity applies to the electrical and propulsion systems. GE Power Conversion decided to simplify things and save fuel on occasion, with their new DP control station.The computer control at the heart of a ship’s positioning system has also become more sophisticated, but the basic principle of DP remains the same: to hold position with a computer system that takes signals from a range of sensors to sense environment, heading, position and attitude and then issues commands to thrusters and propellers. Overall, it is in charge of the complex processes of maintaining a ship on station, a process that needs a high level of system automation so that a single operator can manage the vessel. New DP Control Station: Image credit GE Power Conversion Introduci... [More]