NextOcean is installing its WavePredictor motion radar on ESVAGT NJORD, giving the vessel’s crew advance information on vessel movements during offshore operations. The technology is intended to support safer transfers and better operational decisions as ESVAGT carries out work at the Dudgeon windfarm.
The deployment shows how digital systems are being brought closer to the operational decisions made onboard. WavePredictor uses motion radar and software to give crews real-time insight into expected vessel movements, particularly when sea conditions affect access to offshore structures.
That matters on an SOV such as ESVAGT NJORD, where technicians must transfer between the vessel and wind turbines as weather permits. NextOcean says the system is designed to help crews assess whether conditions are suitable for transfers, giving the officer of the watch additional information before making a go or no-go decision.
“On an SOV, the crew makes dozens of go/no-go calls a day. Our system shows the officer on watch what the vessel is going to do in the coming minutes, so that call is backed by verified predictions and not by feel alone. On a field like Dudgeon, where technicians need to get onto the turbine as often as the weather allows, that means both safer transfers and more workable days,” said Karel Roozen, CEO, NextOcean.
The motion radar and accompanying software are scheduled for installation on ESVAGT NJORD this month. The vessel was commissioned by ESVAGT, a Danish shipping company operating more than 40 offshore support vessels with 1,400 employees across offshore and onshore operations.
The deployment gives ship managers another digital tool at the point where weather, vessel behaviour and crew judgement meet.
