DP Capability Tool

DP Capability Tool is a professional engineering software designed to evaluate the station-keeping performance of dynamically positioned (DP) vessels under combined environmental loads and defined failure scenarios. The tool supports feasibility checks, DP capability assessment, and standards-aligned analysis through an intuitive, project-based workflow.

1 Key Features

DP Capability Assessment

Evaluate vessel station-keeping limits under combined wind, wave, and current loads.

Robust Thrust Allocation

Advanced algorithms distribute thrust efficiently while respecting operational constraints.

Environmental Load Modeling

Built-in support for wind, wave, and current forces acting on the vessel.

Failure Mode Analysis

Assess DP performance under thruster and power failure scenarios.

Capability & Feasibility Plots

Clear rose plots and visual outputs for operability assessment.

One-Stop Reporting

Automatically generate comprehensive engineering reports.

2 Analysis Functions

2.1 Feasibility Calculation

Determine whether a valid thrust allocation solution exists for a given environmental condition while minimizing total power consumption.

2.2 DP Capability Analysis

Assess the maximum environmental loads a vessel can withstand while maintaining station-keeping, supporting DP capability plots and operability assessments.

3 DP System & Thruster Modeling

3.1 Comprehensive Thruster Configuration

Model a wide range of thruster types, including:

• Azimuth thrusters
• Tunnel thrusters
• Shaft propellers

Each thruster can be configured with position, orientation, power limits, and operational constraints.

3.2 Robust Thrust Allocation

Apply robust thrust allocation algorithms to realistically distribute thrust forces and moments while respecting physical and operational limitations.

4 Environmental Load Modeling

Accurately model external forces acting on the vessel, including:

• Wind loads
• Wave loads
• Current loads

These loads form the basis for both feasibility and capability calculations.

5 Failure & Scenario Analysis

Simulate DP system performance under defined failure conditions, such as:

• Thruster failures
• Power loss scenarios
• Forbidden zones and thrust limitations

This supports intact and failure case evaluations in accordance with DP practice.

6 Screenshots

6.1 Project-Based Workflow

Organize vessels, environments, DP systems, and analysis cases in a structured project tree.

6.2 Thruster & DP System Configuration

Define thruster positions, orientations, and operational limits through a dedicated configuration interface.

6.3 Capability & Feasibility Plots

Rose plots visualize vessel capability under different environmental load directions.

6.4 Reporting Output

Generate comprehensive, ready-to-use engineering reports containing figures and tables.

7 Visualization & Results

7.1 Capability and Feasibility Plots

Generate clear visual outputs, including rose plots, to illustrate vessel performance under different load directions and environmental conditions.

7.2 Interactive Plot Views

Inspect analysis results interactively to better understand thrust utilization, margins, and directional limitations.

8 Engineering Utilities & Rules

Includes calculation utilities aligned with industry guidance and classification society practices, such as:

• DNV DNV-ST-0111 Assessment of station keeping capability of dynamic positioning vessels
• ABS Guide for Dynamic Positioning Systems

These utilities assist with consistent and standards-aware analysis.

9 User Interface & Project Management

Organize all models, configurations, and results within a structured project system.

The software provides:

• Application menu and toolbars
• Project panel for model management
• Dedicated model and plot views

This design improves efficiency and usability for engineering workflows.

10 Typical Applications

• DP capability assessment for offshore vessels
• Operability and environmental limit evaluation
• Failure mode and redundancy studies
• Engineering documentation and reporting