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Maritime
Coordinating safer, more efficient tows and hook-ups

Dynamic control and decision support for complex offshore operations

Offshore towing and hook-up

We deliver purpose-built technologies and advanced insight services to support complex offshore operations – transforming how marine contractors plan and coordinate multi-vessel towing projects. Our solutions enhance decision-making, streamline mission execution, and help deliver projects with efficiency, precision, and confidence.

Bringing efficiency and confidence in intricate offshore projects

Moving and positioning large floating structures in dynamic environments and across long distances demands precision and coordination. By providing dynamic analyses and simulations, immersive operator training, shared situational awareness, live advisory, and automated vessel controls, our solutions:

  • Increase predictability, supporting critical decision-making.

  • Build assurance in complex operations through live advice and practice of intricate operational steps in cutting-edge simulator.

  • Streamline offshore execution by preventing inefficient manoeuvres and improving multi-object coordination.

  • Help optimise resource mobilisation and operational procedures by defining optimal capability requirements for the task.

  • Ease operations with automated controls and intuitive graphical interface, reducing operator fatigue.

  • Break communication barriers with a unified situational view distributed to all vessels and crews.

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 transform concerted offshore operations.

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.
  • 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.

Planning your next offshore tow?

Let us show how we can support your project from early decision-making and planning to a successful, secure asset installation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)