Skip to main content
Maritime
Coordinating safer, more efficient tows and hook-ups

Dynamic control for complex offshore tows

Offshore towing and hook-up

Tow Assist brings DP-style control to towed, assets—transforming how marine contractors plan and coordinate multi-vessel towing operations. The system enhances real-time decision-making, streamlines mission execution, and helps deliver projects with greater safety, precision, and confidence.

Increasing safety and efficiency in offshore operations

Offshore towing and mooring operations are increasingly complex. Vessels must  move large floating, structures—often through traffic-heavy, shallow, or obstacle-laden waters—and keep the assets in position for hook-up of mooring lines precisely and effectively. Offshore transport and installation tasks often entail:

  • High-value tows, such as FPSOs, where safety and control are critical
  • High-volume, repeat operations across rigs or wind farms with long transits
  • Coordination across multiple vessels with diverse crews and communication styles
  • Drive to reduce costs and emissions while improving consistency
  • Human and technical factors such as language barriers, varying skill levels, and radio-based communication

Deploying Tow Assist

Tow Assist uses positioning sensor data from all inter-connected objects and a precise model of the floater to calculate optimal operating setpoints for each vessel and display mission-critical information and visual advice continuously. By enhancing situational awareness, advising on the optimal allocation and use of the tugs, and enabling automated controls, the system ensures precise positioning of the towed asset, whether on spot or along a track, and supports efficient and safe execution throughout the operation.

  • Connected mission control

    Shared awareness across Tow Master, bridge crews, and the asset

    Connected mission control Shared awareness across Tow Master, bridge crews, and the asset

  • Real-time guidance

    Visual advice engine helps optimise tow configurations

    Real-time guidance Visual advice engine helps optimise tow configurations

  • Enhanced safety

    Data-driven insights support safer, faster decisions

    Enhanced safety Data-driven insights support safer, faster decisions

Learn more about how Tow Assist works and can revolutionise 

Best ally for offshore planners and operators

Tow Assist is purpose-built for professionals responsible for towing, positioning, and coordinating high-value marine assets in complex environments. It empowers the following roles:

  • Tow Masters & Offshore Installation Managers (OIMs):
    Coordinate multi-vessel towing with a central mission view and decision support.
  • Dynamic Positioning Operators (DPOs):
    Monitor tow alignment, winch behaviour, and vessel deviation in real time.
  • Bridge Officers & Captains:
    Enhance situational awareness with shared system views and optimisation prompts.
  • Marine Operations Managers & Project Leads:
    Maximise safety, standardise operations, and reduce delays, through enhanced planning, preparation, and decision support.

Operational use cases

Tow Assist support asset transportation and installation jobs across different segments:

  • Offshore Wind: Foundations and floaters of any design 
  • Oil & Gas: Floating production units, jack-ups, and semi-sub 
  • Marine construction: Coordinated multi-vessel operations

End-to-end support for your operation

With Tow Assist, we offer:

  • Analytics: In-depth insights for confident decision-making, planning, and validation
  • Simulator training: Opportunity to run realistic scenarios and verify operations before stepping offshore
  • Tow Master view: Central interface to monitor, guide and command the full operation
  • Captain view: Live data, and visualisation of the tow master’s instructions for crews onboard towing vessels
  • Optimisation Engine: Suggests towline tension, vessel positioning, heading, and speed
  • Automated modes: Selectable modes for automatic heading, line angle, and line tension
  • Towing analytics: In-depth logs for training, debrief, and performance tracking

Experience the difference with Tow Assist

  • Rehearsal and scenario testing in simulator, real-time decision support, and DP controls increase efficiency and flexibility in preparation and execution.

    Streamlined project execution

  • Shared situational view and unified collaboration platform transform concerted offshore missions.

    Improved vessel coordination

  • Optimised vessel use and smoothened cooperation offer the opportunity to increase operational efficiency.

    Enabler for efficient operation

  • Advanced analytics and live data and graphical advisory enhance your confidence in every decision.

    Informed decision-making

Technological edge with proven value

  • Proven DP foundation: Built on Kongsberg’s trusted K-Pos platform
  • Modular and flexible: Compatible with varied floaters and tow setups
  • Patented system: A uniquely engineered coordination solution
  • Simulator-ready: Train, test, and verify before mobilising
  • True operational assistance: Includ robust analytics to support planning and decision making
  • Supported by experts: Backed by technical support, updates, and diagnostics

Technical specifications

Component Specification
Tow Assist Master Onboard computer for data processing and visualisation
DP System (towing vessels) K-Pos Version 8.3+
TowCon System (towing vessels) TowCon NT or newer
Communication MBR
Sensors GNSS, Gyro; MRU/MGC 
Survey Integration Compatible with third-party systems

*Alternative deliveries available. Other configurations and upgrades can be evaluated case-by-case.

Ready to see Tow Assist in action?

Let’s optimise your next offshore tow. Our team is ready to show how Tow Assist fits into your operation, integrates with your systems, and delivers measurable value.

Tow Assist – Frequently Asked Questions