Vessel Motion Monitoring Systems (VMMS)

Motion monitoring for wind farm workboats

Our VMMS systems are designed to be used as a reliable tool for safer vessel operations and a dedicated HSE tool. The VMMS system can significantly increase the safety level during critical operations. It can also be used to collect data for later statistical analysis and store data for incident and accident investigations.

Vessel motion is the main limiting operational and safety parameter when operating workboats offshore. Accurate motion monitoring during critical operations can significantly increase the operational win. It can be the main factor leading to a successful operation.

Meteorological parameters and other relevant information can be added as an extra feature. The VMMS will allow the user to monitor and focus on motion parameters rather than significant wave height as the main limiting factor.

Critical operation #1:

To make sure personnel are fit-for-fight upon arrival at the worksite:

During the transport of personnel from shore to worksite or between worksites, the motion trend displays can be used actively to reduce the motion discomfort that causes nausea and seasickness. This will ensure that the personnel arrive in good shape and ready to work at the site.

Critical operation #2:

To transfer personnel safely to and from the worksite:

Motion trend displays, Motion Index, and Transfer Risk values can be used actively to reduce the risk during landing operations and offloading of personnel.” Traffic light signals” can be set to stop operations at preset thresholds before dangerous levels are reached.

1. Meteorological Sensor (option)
2. System Computer & Display (operator interface)
3. Motion Sensor – heave / 6 DOF
   Impact Sensor – high sampling rate
   Bow Pressure Sensor (option)

4. Motion Sensor – 6 DOF
   (pitch, roll, heave, surge, sway, yaw)
   Motion Sensor – passenger cabin
   (accelerations)
5. Data Storage Device (option)

A basic VMMS system includes one or two motion sensors and a computer that measures, calculates and displays the critical motion parameters that are essential for the Captain to be aware of when making decisions during critical operations or not. The vessel’s Heave can be measured at the landing point, and the Heave Rate is calculated in real-time. Horizontal motions (Surge and Sway) and Bow Pressure, Hawser Tension and other landing forces are or can also be measured.

A “Traffic light signal” can be used for operator guidance, access control with automatic switching, or with the Captain’s supervision.

The system can include accelerometers, inclinometers, meteorological sensors, and down-looking radar for wave and air gap measurements. Still, it can also be expanded to include other structural and environmental sensors.
Smaller self-contained systems, including wireless data transfer, can be designed to meet specific needs.

Motion monitoring sensors can be integrated with other monitoring systems for online monitoring or long-term data recording for future analysis.

Data can be sent to shore or other sites online for tracking and coordination purposes, providing data or other communication lines are available.

Data can be stored in the system computer for later analysis for statistics and incident and accident investigations.

Other data storage devices, such as free float data buoys, can be added to implement the system’s safe “Black Box” functionality.

The systems can be tailor-made to suit the client’s specifications. They can easily be expanded to comply with new demands, rules and regulations.

WISE Group has been involved in many Motion Monitoring projects for vessels and offshore platforms for many years. Applications include Motion Monitoring Systems for all 6 Degrees Of Freedom (Pitch, Roll, Heave, Surge, Sway and Yaw), Vibration Monitoring, Inclination Monitoring, Wave Monitoring (with or without Heave compensation), Air Gap Measurements and many others. Heave Rate calculations for safer operation are included as a standard function.

The systems can be tailor-made to suit the client’s specifications and can easily be expanded in the future to comply with new demands, rules and regulations.

The VMMS is based upon WISE Group’s more than 25 years of experience building Helideck Monitoring Systems for offshore oil and gas vessels and platforms and the remarkable safety improvements these systems have led to. Used as a proactive tool for HSEQ work, this will significantly improve the safety standards during critical offshore operations.

WISE Group has been involved in setting such safety standards since the beginning. They will be able to work as consultants or advisors whenever necessary.

WISE Group can provide design and engineering support, installation support, operation and maintenance services, calibration services and personnel training as required by each customer.