Sonardyne has introduced its shallow water dynamic positioning (DP) reference system, SPRINT-Nav DP, as part of its SPRINT-Nav family.
Building on Sonardyne’s extensive experience in hybrid acoustic-inertial navigation systems, SPRINT-Nav DP combines high-grade inertial navigation with Doppler velocity log (DVL) technology in a single, pre-calibrated unit.
SPRINT-Nav DP provides accurate and reliable positioning without the need for a GNSS signal. This makes it ideal for a wide range of shallow water operations, including offshore renewable energy and nearshore work where GNSS signals are often spoofed, blocked or distorted by nearby structures.
Developed in response to Sonardyne’s SPRINT-Nav customers’ requests and an increasing demand for shallow water DP operations from the offshore wind farm sector, SPRINT-Nav DP has undergone extensive trials and validation tests to ensure it maintains the mandatory class requirements as an alternative position reference into a vessel’s DP system.
This addition to the SPRINT-Nav range is designed to improve operational efficiency for DP vessel operators. The DVL bottom-lock technology, effective up to 230 m depth, means there is no need to deploy sensors or other equipment as the seabed itself is used as the positioning reference. Factory pre-calibration means that SPRINT-Nav DP is operational as soon as the vessel arrives on site.
Duncan Rigg, Business Development Manager – Vessel System, stated, “SPRINT-Nav DP represents a leap forward in shallow water vessel positioning. By removing GNSS dependencies, we’re enabling operators to work more efficiently and dependably in challenging environments. Many existing customers had asked about using their SPRINT-Nav’s for dynamic positioning and we are delighted to introduce SPRINT-Nav DP to enhance their operations.”
