Field Testing of GPS Applications in Ship-to-Ship Lightering Operations

Egil Pedersen, Dagfinn Husjord, Yunja Yoo Etsuro Shimizu

Abstract:	The final approach phase in ship-to-ship (STS) lightering operations is particularly critical in order to avoid steel to steel contact. Operational safety and efficiency requires sufficient instrumental measurements and adequate human operations. A major objective with the ongoing research activity on ship-to-ship operations is to develop and implement a guidance and decision-support system for the ship navigation officers in charge of STS operations in order to assist in safe navigation and operation when in close proximity. Two field observation and measurement programmes have been carried out on board Aframax tankers conducting lightering operations in the US Gulf in 2007 and 2009, respectively. Data of own ship’s position, speed, course, engine and rudder actions were logged from the Voyage Data Recorder. Data of the other vessel were as transmitted by the AIS system. A modified version of an existing Berthing Support System, which consists of GPS receivers and fiber-optical gyros, was applied to provide relative distances and speeds. A guidance and decision-support system for STS operations has been proposed. It is argued that this can enhance the operational safety and efficiency of STS operations.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 2010 International Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation January 25 - 27, 2010 Catamaran Resort Hotel San Diego, CA
Pages:	467 - 471
Cite this article:	Pedersen, Egil, Husjord, Dagfinn, Shimizu, Yunja Yoo Etsuro, "Field Testing of GPS Applications in Ship-to-Ship Lightering Operations," Proceedings of the 2010 International Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation, San Diego, CA, January 2010, pp. 467-471.
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