Sperry Marine has introduced a new networked adaptive heading control system called NAVIPILOT 4500N, the first in a new series of autopilot systems from the company.
The equipment is designed to minimise unwanted rudder motion and lower drag, saving fuel and contributing to greater efficiency.
The system can adjust rudder control for the individual squat, trim and load of a particular vessel on a particular voyage, and is self-tuning to adapt in real time to external factors such as trim changes due to fuel usage, different cargo loading parameters and longer term changes in behaviour as the vessel ages.
Steering performance can also be tailored for different weather conditions and heading keeping requirements. The company says that further features set to be made available include support for track control with Sperry Marine VisionMaster ECDIS and support for high speed craft operations, or a combination of both.
“Vessel owners and operators face closely related challenges; the need to reduce fuel consumption and emissions while continuing to sail safely and in compliance in all conditions; for that they need a partner who can combine experience with innovation to help them towards their goals,” said James Collett, Managing Director, Sperry Marine.
“The NAVIPILOT family is designed to support enhanced voyage safety and efficiency with unique features that reduce the workload for the bridge team and leverage our expertise in the next generation of networked navigation technology.”