Hawser Tension Feedback: Enhancing Dynamic Positioning Control

Hawser Tension Feedback is a crucial system installed on vessels such as cable-lay ships and offtake tankers, where hawser (mooring line) or cable tension is actively monitored. This facility provides real-time feedback to the Dynamic Positioning (DP) system, enabling it to account for external forces exerted by the hawser or cable during operations.

How Hawser Tension Feedback Works

1. Tension Monitoring: Sensors measure the tension on the hawser or cable in real-time.
2. Data Integration: The measured tension is fed into the DP system as an external force variable.
3. Dynamic Adjustment: The DP system compensates for the additional force by adjusting thruster output to maintain the vessel’s position and heading.

Applications of Hawser Tension Feedback

1. Cable-Laying Operations: Ensures stable positioning while deploying or retrieving subsea cables.
2. Offtake Tankers: Maintains safe positioning during cargo transfer operations via mooring lines.
3. Anchor Handling: Accounts for tension in anchor lines to avoid drifting or instability.
4. Subsea Construction: Monitors forces on cables or umbilicals during equipment deployment.

Benefits of Hawser Tension Feedback

• Enhanced Stability: Provides accurate compensation for external forces, improving station-keeping precision.
• Operational Safety: Reduces the risk of over-tensioning or snapping lines, safeguarding crew and equipment.
• Efficiency: Optimizes thruster use by dynamically balancing external forces and vessel control.
• Seamless Integration: Works alongside other environmental feedback systems like wind and current sensors.

Challenges and Considerations

• Sensor Reliability: Accurate readings depend on the proper calibration and maintenance of tension sensors.
• Real-Time Processing: Requires a robust DP system to process and respond to feedback promptly.
• Environmental Factors: External conditions like waves and current may impact hawser or cable tension, necessitating dynamic adjustments.

Lerus Training: Mastering Hawser Tension Feedback in DP Operations

At Lerus Training, we provide comprehensive courses on the integration and operation of Hawser Tension Feedback systems in Dynamic Positioning environments. Our training programs include:

• Understanding the principles and functionality of tension feedback systems.
• Practical exercises in monitoring and managing hawser tension during DP operations.
• Strategies for troubleshooting and optimizing tension feedback integration in real-world scenarios.

With experienced instructors and state-of-the-art simulators, Lerus Training ensures maritime professionals are fully equipped to handle complex offshore operations confidently and efficiently.