Dynamic Positioning Services

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ABL delivers independent, expert support across the full lifecycle of Dynamic Positioning (DP) systems—from concept and design, through construction and commissioning, to operations and life-extension.

We support shipyards, vessel owners, charterers, and energy companies in designing, operating, and validating DP systems with confidence, ensuring safe, reliable, and economically efficient operations.

Our multidisciplinary global team provides technical assurance, specialist consultancy, competence assessment, and project management tailored to each asset’s mission, whether for drilling, construction, offshore wind, subsea intervention, accommodation, shuttle tanker, OSV, SOV, or walk-to-work operations.

Dynamic positioning is a computer-controlled capability that automatically maintains a vessel’s position and heading using thrusters, sensors, and integrated control systems, allowing safe offshore operations without anchors.

Benefits to Owners, Shipyards, and Charterers

Safe, fault-tolerant and reliable DP operations
Reduced likelihood of DP incidents, downtime, and off-hire
Stronger technical compliance and smoother class approval
Early identification of design risks and avoidance of costly re-engineering
Improved operational efficiency and project readiness
Transparent assurance for WSOG/ASOG and suitability assessments
Enhanced competence of key DP personnel and independent competencies evaluation
Increased confidence for all parties involved in DP operations

Alessio Lombardi

Global Director for DP and Critical Systems

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Through-Life Dynamic Positioning (DP) Support

ABL delivers complete lifecycle support for Dynamic Positioning (DP) systems. From early concept and design to commissioning, proving trials, operations, and life-extension, we ensure your DP systems remain safe, compliant, reliable, and ready for mission-critical operations.

DP Assurance

DP Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA/FMECA)

ABL performs industry-approved FMEA and FMECA studies to IMCA, OCIMF and EBCV2 standards, to identify single-point failures and validate vessel redundancy. Our DP specialists apply proven methodologies to ensure safety, reliability, and full compliance with class and charterer expectations.

Proving Trials, Annual DP Trials and 5 Year Periodical DP Trials

Proving Trials – validation of FMEA
Annual DP Trials – verification of function, performance and failure responses
5-Year Trials – full revalidation of FMEA, redundancy concept and class notation

Our systematic trial philosophy ensures clarity, repeatability, and reliable data centric results regardless of vessel type or operation.

Gap Analysis

DP gap analysis tools provide a structured method for assessing vessel systems, documentation, and operational processes against recognised industry standards, ensuring deviations are identified early and corrective actions are implemented to strengthen safety, reliability, and compliance.

DP Operations Manual and Procedures

We prepare ship-specific DP Operations Manuals and associated procedures aligned with class rules and charterer requirements, including operational modes, checklists, WSOG/ASOG integration and task-specific risk controls.

Condition and Suitability Surveys

Before a charter or project, ABL surveys confirm the vessel’s readiness for safe DP operations, identifying technical gaps early and ensuring compliance with industry standards and mission-specific requirements.

DP Capability Analysis

Using DNV’s ST-0111 methodology and advanced modelling tools, we analyse station-keeping capability, worst-case failure performance, thruster configuration, power availability and environmental limits. This provides clarity for project planning, vessel selection and operational risk management.

DP Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis

ABL supports operators and charterers in analysing DP events, identifying root causes, and implementing corrective actions. Our experts can act as independent investigators or expert witnesses when required.

DP Operational Marine Risk Management

We develop mission-specific risk management tools such as WSOG and ASOG, ensuring crews have clear decision support before and during operations. Our approach integrates human factors, vessel capabilities, and operational constraints.

DP Technical Consulting

Power System Engineering and Switchboard Testing

ABL specialists offer a range of services beyond FMEA and proving trials to ensure the integrity of the DP system. This includes detailed power system analysis as short-circuit studies, harmonic analysis, load flow, protection coordination, and transient stability. We ensure correct integration of generators’, thrusters, and relevant control systems across all redundancy groups.

Reliability Engineering and Condition-Centred Maintenance (CCM)

Keeping DP assets reliable requires requires proactive reliability engineering.
ABL provides:

Identification of failure-prone components and weak links
Condition-centred maintenance strategies for main machinery and any other DP critical equipment,
Reliability modelling and failure trend analysis
Optimised preventive / reliability centered maintenance strategies based on system criticality
Technical audits focused on system availability and DP resilience

This approach reduces unexpected failures, supports class and charterer expectations, and ensures continuous DP readiness.

DP Key Personnel Competence

The competence of key DP personnel is fundamental to safe and reliable DP operations.
ABL supports both owners and charterers with:

Vessel-specific and mission-specific competence assessments
Verification of DP Operator (DPO) experience and decision-making behaviour
Practical coaching on failure responses, WSOG/ASOG use, and human-machine interaction
Competence evaluation prior to charter or project mobilisation
IMCA-aligned frameworks (M117)

Our methodology strengthens the human element of DP operations, reduces operational risk, and increases confidence across all parties.

DP Project Management

Design Review

From concept design onward, ABL conducts detailed DP design reviews to identify potential weaknesses early. This reduces risk, prevents costly redesigns, and ensures the FMEA process is correct from day one.

Newbuild Project Management

ABL acts as client representative for newbuild vessels, overseeing engineering, yard activity, FAT/SAT, commissioning, DP trials and documentation. We ensure timely delivery, compliance and reliable DP performance straight out of the yard.

Conversion/Retrofit Project Management

Whether upgrading DP components or moving from DP1 to DP2/DP3 class notation, we manage the required engineering, system integration, and trials to ensure safe and compliant conversion with minimal downtime.