Vessel Motion Monitoring Systems (VMMS)

Motion monitoring for safer vessel operations

WISE Group’s Vessel Motion Monitoring Systems (VMMS) are designed as reliable tools for safer vessel operations and as dedicated HSE support systems. Vessel motion is often the primary operational and safety-limiting factor when operating workboats offshore, particularly during critical operations such as personnel transfer.

Accurate motion monitoring during these operations can significantly increase the operational window and is often a key factor in achieving a successful operation.

Designed for critical offshore operations

VMMS can be used both in real time and for post-operation analysis. The system enhances safety during critical operations and enables the collection of motion data for statistics, documentation, and incident or accident investigations.

Rather than relying solely on significant wave height, VMMS enables operators to monitor and focus directly on vessel motion parameters, which are often more relevant to actual operational risk. Meteorological parameters and other relevant information can be added as optional features.

Typical applications

Wind farm workboats

VMMS is widely used on wind farm service vessels and is designed to support two key operational phases:

• Transit phase – from shore to the wind farm
• Landing phase – during personnel transfer to turbines

During transit, motion trend displays can be used actively to reduce motion discomfort and seasickness, helping ensure personnel arrive fit for work. During landing, motion indices, transfer risk values and traffic-light indicators are used to reduce the risk of injury during critical transfer operations.

Offshore oil & gas and marine vessels

The system is equally applicable to offshore support vessels and other marine assets where safe operation depends on accurate knowledge of vessel motion and environmental conditions.

System configuration and functionality

A basic VMMS typically includes one, two or three motion sensors and a system computer that measures, calculates and displays the critical motion parameters required by the Captain when making operational decisions.

Standard and optional measurements include:

• Full 6 Degrees of Freedom (6DOF) motion: Pitch, Roll, Heave, Surge, Sway and Yaw
• Heave and Heave Rate are measured at the landing point and calculated in real time
• Accelerations measured in passenger cabins for comfort analysis.
• Horizontal motions (Surge and Sway)
• Impact forces, bow pressure, hawser tension and other landing forces

A simple traffic-light system can be used for operator guidance or access control, either automatically or under the Captain’s supervision.

Integration, expansion and data handling

VMMS can be expanded to include:

• Accelerometers and inclinometers
• Meteorological sensors
• Down-looking radar for wave and air-gap measurements
• Structural and environmental sensors

Motion monitoring sensors can be integrated with other monitoring systems for online monitoring or long-term data recording. Data can be transmitted to shore or other sites for tracking and coordination, provided suitable communication links are available.

All data can be stored locally for later analysis, statistics, and investigation purposes. Optional external storage devices, including free-floating data buoys, can be added to provide “black box” functionality. Systems are tailor-made to client specifications and can be expanded in the future to meet new operational demands, rules and regulations.

Built on proven offshore experience

WISE Group has been involved in numerous motion monitoring projects for vessels and offshore platforms for many years. Applications include motion monitoring for all six degrees of freedom, vibration monitoring, inclination monitoring, wave monitoring (with or without heave compensation) and air-gap measurements. Heave-rate calculations for safer operation are included as standard.

The VMMS builds on more than 20 years of experience developing Helideck Monitoring Systems for offshore oil and gas vessels and platforms, and on the proven safety improvements these systems have delivered. Used proactively as part of HSEQ work, VMMS contributes to significantly improved safety standards during critical offshore operations.