Dynamic positioning (DP) is a computer controlled system to automatically maintain a vessel’s position and heading by using her own propellers and thrusters. Position reference sensors, combined with wind sensors, motion sensors and gyro compasses, provide information to the computer about the vessel’s position and the magnitude and direction of environmental forces affecting her position. The computer program contains a mathematical model of the vessel that includes information pertaining to the wind and current drag of the vessel and the location of the thrusters. This knowledge, combined with the sensor information, allows the computer to calculate the required steering angle and thruster output for each thruster.
This allows operations at sea where mooring or anchoring is not feasible due to deep water, congestion on the sea bottom (pipelines, templates) or other problems. Dynamic positioning may either be absolute in that the position is locked to a fixed point over the bottom, or relative to a moving object like another ship or an underwater vehicle. It’s also possible to position the ship at a favourable angle towards wind, waves and current (weathervaning).
Fincantieri Marine Systems, based on the knowledge of both ship motions and propulsion’s actuators, can be the perfect ship integrator for dynamic positioning systems, realizing the best performances and cost effective solutions. 

The dynamic positioning systems have been installed on the following Fincantieri vessels: 

• Oceanographic research vessels
• Cruise vessels
• Ahts
• Fsru (floating storage re-gasification units)

Fincantieri can directly supply the following components: 

• Bow and stern thrusters
• Main propulsion units
• Steering gears
• Control systems