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.
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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
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Real-time guidance
Visual advice engine helps optimise tow configurations
Real-time guidance Visual advice engine helps optimise tow configurations
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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 andcan 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-timedecision support, and DP controls increase efficiencyand flexibility in preparation and execution.
Streamlined project execution
Shared situational view and unifiedcollaboration platform transform concerted offshoremissions.
Improved vessel coordination
Optimised vessel use and smoothenedcooperation offer the opportunity to increaseoperational 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 decisionmaking
- 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.
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