AD Navigation offers piloting assistance for navigating and docking large vessels

Marine vessels are larger than ever, and yet much of the world’s port infrastructure remains unchanged. Therefore, navigating narrow passages and docking require increasingly greater precision. Under challenging conditions, manoeuvring a ship into the correct docking position can take several hours. During that time the ship’s engines must remain in use, resulting in excessive CO₂ emissions.

Moreover, complex manoeuvres during docking and passage navigation can result in damage to the port and to the vessel, thus increasing the risk of oil spills.

AD Navigation’s Portable Pilot Unit (PPU) is a durable, compact decision-support tool for navigating in confined waters. The unit interfaces with GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou satellite systems, projecting the vessel’s position and movement in real time on a laptop or tablet display. This allows the pilot to make accurate adjustments to the course and position of the vessel during docking and other challenging operations.

Time slots in port are costly. Therefore, efficient docking is imperative – especially for oversized ships such as ultra large container vessels. AD Navigation’s PPU reduces risk and saves valuable time and fuel, resulting in a rapid return on investment (ROI). Reduced fuel consumption also means reduced emissions.

Moreover, ship captains may not have local knowledge of narrow channels and docking and undocking manoeuvres. Even experienced, local maritime pilots face docking challenges during adverse weather conditions such as fog or heavy rain. AD Navigation’s PPU ensures that docking can take place even in zero visibility.

Portable Pilot Units (PPU) are relevant for ports and port pilots, shipping companies, coast guards and navies worldwide.

AD Navigation introduced the world’s first functional PPU in 2005, which was adopted by the Norwegian Coastal Administration and several large ports in Europe. In 2012, the company introduced the first wireless PPU, combining greater portability with improved durability. To date, it has delivered over 200 systems worldwide to customers including the Norwegian, Swedish and US navies, and to pilot organisations worldwide. The company launched the world’s smallest PPU, the XR2, in 2019.

AD Navigation was founded in 2002. Its headquarters are located near the Port of Tønsberg in Norway and include a development lab and a live lab for testing on local ferries.