Advanced Autopilot for Shuttle Tanker

St. John's (Canada) based CORETEC is installing an autopilot system on the Hibernia shuttle tanker MT Kometik for sea trials. The Advanced Ship Autopilot System (ASAS) is capable of maintaining a ship within a few metres of a pre-determined track. The ASAS combines the predictive capabilities with advanced control technology to render a versatile and accurate track-keeping autopilot. By accurately maintaining the vessel on its intended track, the ASAS substantially improves the safety and fuel economy of inshore and offshore vessel navigation.

The ASAS offers a number of advantages over existing autopilot systems including:

Path Tracking Capability with Unprecedented Accuracy

Reduced Fuel Consumption

Increased Operational Safety

Non Invasive Installation

Open Architecture Design which Promotes Continuous Evolution and Development

The ASAS incorporates a vessel course (intended direction) and track (intended path) maintenance function in addition to the trajectory and warning functions. Initial testing of the ASAS controller with a simulated ship model confirmed the ability of the ASAS to accurately and precisely guide a ship along a preset track.