Tugboat operators and ports can improve safety and optimise operations using new software and accurate positioning information
Tugboat operators and ports can improve safety and optimise daily operations by using new software and accurate positioning information.
Trelleborg Marine Systems has launched SafeTug, a program it says enhances piloting and navigation safety. This software enables real-time sharing of operational data and information on the movement of ships being manoeuvred.
This enhances collaboration between the tug master, ship bridge teams, pilots and port operators. SafeTug uses dynamic data including the ship’s speed and direction, rate of turn, trajectory, heading and course over the ground. The software also displays the position of other tugboats using the system.
“SafeTug improves the range and accuracy of navigational measurements, offering true 360° visibility and enhancing situational awareness in real-time,” said Trelleborg’s president of marine systems Richard Hepworth.
“This helps the pilot to know exactly where the tugs are located and for the tug master to know exactly what the movement of the assisted vessel is, creating a safer and more effective pilotage experience.”
SafeTug connects with SmartPort Cloud for data storage and exchange to provide an overview of port and piloting operations. It enables onshore teams to monitor whole operations for decision support and planning future manoeuvres. SafeTug features:
Mr Hepworth said this software was required to reduce pilotage and tug incidents during challenging operations. “Piloting requires the safest, most efficient and reliable technology,” he said. “It demands exceptional performance, ease of operation and high position accuracy to facilitate optimum approach, berthing and departure.”
“Piloting requires the safest, most efficient and reliable technology”
SafeTug is within Trelleborg’s growing SmartPort portfolio, which tackles the critical interfaces between ships and ports. It connects port operations, facilitates performance analysis and data use to improve decision making.
SmartPort integrates assets, such as fenders and mooring equipment, while improving ship performance monitoring and navigation systems.
Trelleborg won the LNG Technology Award for its ship-to-shore communications link at the debut LNG World Shipping Awards, sponsored by tug operator Smit Lamnalco, which recognised achievements in safety and terminal operations during 2018. These awards were handed out during Riviera Maritime Media’s LNG Ship/Shore Interface Conference in London, on 22-23 November 2018.
© 2023 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.