The dual-rudder RoRo cargo vessel MV Corona Sea has completed the first installation of the new NautoPilot 5400 NX autopilot from Anschütz, developed to deliver precise steering and reduce fuel consumption through the application of integrated analytics algorithms.
The installation took place during a dry-docking period in Sweden before the ship returned to its regular service between Finland and Germany. The optimal autopilot settings for steering performance were fine-tuned during a crossing from Landskrona in Sweden to Hanko, Finland.
“The autopilot works very well and I am more than satisfied. It keeps the heading very precise, and course control is operating perfectly,” said Linas Skerys, Master of MV Corona Sea, operated by Transfennica and managed by AdMare Ship Management.
The system features a heading and rudder plot, a course control mode, an economy mode and a toe angle function. Anschütz says that statistical data obtained from prototype trials have confirmed that savings between 1 and 4 percent can be achieved depending on factors such as draught and speed.
