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DP
REFERENCE SYSTEMS
DP reference systems provide absolute position information that enables a vessel to determine its location relative to fixed or moving external objects. They form a critical part of any Dynamic Positioning architecture, particularly during operations close to structures or in environments where satellite positioning alone is insufficient.
Subsea Connect supplies and integrates a comprehensive range of DP reference systems designed to deliver reliable, stable position input in demanding offshore conditions.
Reference System Technologies
While onboard sensors measure vessel motion, heading and environmental forces, reference systems determine the vessel’s position relative to external targets such as platforms, wind turbines, subsea transponders or shore-based references.
By combining multiple independent reference systems, DP operations can maintain accuracy, redundancy and robustness under changing environmental and operational conditions.
Role of Reference
Systems in DP
Subsea Connect delivers reference solutions based on multiple technologies, allowing selection of the most suitable system for each operational scenario.
3D LiDAR Reference – Furlong Unity
Furlong Unity is a next-generation DP reference system that uses advanced 3D LiDAR scanning to provide highly accurate and stable position data. By continuously scanning surrounding structures and environments, Unity delivers reliable target tracking even in low visibility, high motion or complex offshore conditions.
The system is particularly suited for offshore construction, wind farm operations and close-proximity work where conventional optical or radar-based references may be limited.
Furlong Unity can be deployed as a primary or supplementary reference system within DP architectures and integrates seamlessly with existing DP control platforms.
Laser Reference Systems
Laser-based reference systems provide accurate short- and mid-range position information by tracking reflective targets on fixed or moving structures. These systems are well suited for operations near platforms, vessels or wind turbine foundations where line-of-sight conditions are available.
Radar Reference Systems
Radar-based reference systems provide robust target tracking under adverse weather conditions such as fog, rain or low visibility. They offer reliable performance over longer distances and serve as an important complementary reference in multi-sensor DP configurations.
Hydroacoustic Reference Systems
Hydroacoustic reference systems determine vessel position relative to subsea transponders or structures. These systems are essential for deep-water operations, subsea construction, ROV support and situations where surface-based references are not available.
GNSS / Satellite-Based Reference Input
GNSS and DGPS reference systems provide global satellite-based position information. When combined with other reference technologies, they form a robust and redundant positioning solution suitable for a wide range of offshore operations.
System Integration & Redundancy
Subsea Connect designs and integrates reference system architectures that ensure redundancy, signal diversity and predictable system behaviour. Multiple reference technologies can be combined to mitigate the limitations of individual systems and improve overall DP reliability.
Reference systems can be delivered as part of a complete DP solution or integrated into existing DP installations as standalone upgrades.
Applications
DP reference systems are used across a wide range of offshore operations, including:
- Offshore construction and installation
- Wind farm installation and maintenance
- Subsea operations and ROV support
- Survey and inspection activities
- Close-proximity and station-keeping operations
Reliable Positioning in Complex Environments
Subsea Connect reference systems are selected and integrated with a clear focus on operational reliability, redundancy and real-world performance. By combining advanced technologies such as 3D LiDAR with proven reference methods, we deliver positioning solutions suitable for the most demanding offshore environments.
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