GE Provides SeaStream Dynamic Positioning System To PKNU's Training Vessel

Pukyong National University (PKNU) has chosen GE’s Power Conversion business to provide the SeaStream Dynamic Positioning (DP) system for their training vessel for fisheries industry training. GE’s SeaStream DP will enable the ship to perform operations – for example controlling horizontal movement or holding position against harsh wind and in choppy waters – with stability, safety and precision for a long time.

“We have more than six decades of onboard vessel training experience and are now adding the 14^th vessel to the fleet. We are glad to work with GE, whose robust technology will contribute to us adding the largest and best equipped new vessel to our fleet,” said Professor LEE JONG-GUN, director of the PKNU Ship Training and Operations Center, PKNU.

SeaStream DP is also a smart system that will contribute to the ship’s overall efficiency and operational effectiveness.

The “Energy Efficient” mode of the DP system can help reduce fuel consumption. The position and heading of the vessel are both controlled automatically, predictive software is used to anticipate position variation and to limit thrust changes if the vessel is predicted to remain within the so-called ‘soft’ operating window, or an inner tolerance band. If the vessel is predicted to move outside its ‘hard’ operating window (outer tolerance band), the system develops optimum thrust to remain within that window. Advanced algorithms are used to optimize vessel heading to further reduce power consumption and limit thruster/machinery wear and tear.

GE studies have shown that fuel saving in this mode may be up to 10 percent or more, with an associated NOx reduction of up to 20 percent, depending on environmental factors and exact operational profile.

“GE’s DP system is more mariner friendly, which is an excellent choice for fishery training purposes. With an informative and easily-operable human-machine interface, the system provides unprecedented flexibility and effectiveness that allows operators to truly focus on their maritime operations,” said Ed Torres, CEO of marine and oil & gas, GE’s Power Conversion business.

“We have partnered with multiple universities in Korea to provide DP systems in recent years, helping to train students with valuable skills and to fuel their ambition to pursue a successful career at sea,” said Azeez Mohammed, president & CEO, GE’s Power Conversion business. “We are excited to be part of the journey, helping the next generation of maritime professionals excel with one of the most advanced technologies for efficient ship operations.”

Built by DAE SUN Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. Ltd, the training ship is 97 m long and 15.4 m wide. It has a gross tonnage of 3,990 ton and a capacity of 160 people.

Press Release