University of Rostock Developing Innovative Control System for Ships and Platforms (Germany)

University of Rostock is developing methods for dynamic positioning and reduction of unwanted rotational movements of ships or platforms.

The University of Rostock and Voith Schneider Propulsion are developing a novel offshore project called “DP Motion” for control systems for ships and platforms at the Faculty of computer science and electrical engineering. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economics (BMWi).

Besides the actual construction of offshore facilities, especially in the offshore wind energy sector, the need for monitoring and maintenance of these systems will grow in the next decades. When it comes to offshore wind energy, an enormous effort must be made to carry out the ongoing need for maintenance services in harsh sea conditions.

For these reasons, the stabilization of undesired rotational motions (roll and pitching), caused by the attacking waves is crucial, together with the basic task of the dynamic positioning system (Dynamic Positioning, DP) of vessels and platforms.

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Offshore WIND Staff, May 2, 2013; Image: Holland Shipyards