Sprint-Nav DP - A New DP Reference Sensor for Shallow Water Operations

Abstract SPRINT-Nav DP is Sonardyne's latest position reference system (PRS), purpose-built to enhance dynamic positioning (DP) operations in shallow water environments up to 230 metres water depth such as the continental shelf, inshore waters and rivers and estuaries. Designed to meet the stringent redundancy requirements of DP2 and DP3-class vessels, SPRINT-Nav DP provides a reliable alternative or complement to Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), offering distinct operational advantages over traditional reference sensors. This paper explores the challenges faced by DP vessels operating in shallow offshore environments, where sensor masking, infrastructure clutter, and GNSS vulnerabilities can compromise DP capability. It presents the underlying technology of SPRINT-Nav DP, including its integrated inertial and Doppler velocity capabilities, and outlines how these features contribute to system robustness. A case study is included, showcasing SPRINT-Nav DP deployed on a DP2 heavy-lift vessel operating at its maximum rated altitude, demonstrating the system's performance and reliability in real-world conditions. Additionally, the paper highlights value-added features—such as real-time water current profiling and spoofing detection capabilities—not traditionally offered by DP reference sensors, and discusses how these can be leveraged to improve situational awareness and operational efficiency in offshore projects.