Trelleborg strengthens its navigation and piloting offering with SafePilot CAT PRO launch

Trelleborg’s marine and infrastructure operation bolsters its industry leading navigation and piloting offering with the launch of SafePilot CAT PRO. The latest addition to its SafePilot range utilizes state-of-the-art software and smart technology to help pilots and ports optimize safety, efficiency and sustainability in their day-to-day operations.

A completely independent portable pilot unit (PPU) designed to overcome the limitations of AIS and Wi-Fi range, Trelleborg’s new SafePilot solution is specifically designed for use in demanding applications that require the highest positioning and speed accuracy such as when piloting in narrow channels and confined waters. The SafePilot solution consists of SafePilot software and the SafePilot CAT PRO PPU.

Tommy Mikkelsen, Managing Director of Trelleborg’s marine and infrastructure operation in Denmark, says: “Piloting requires the safest, most efficient and reliable technology. It demands exceptional performance, ease of operation and high position and speed accuracy to facilitate optimum approach, berthing and departure. The launch of the SafePilot CAT PRO is the latest example of our long-standing commitment to further strengthen our navigation and piloting offering. This offering improves situational awareness during maneuvers and enhances the safety, efficiency and sustainability of port operations in even the most demanding applications.”

SafePilot CAT PRO utilizes Real-time Kinematic (RTK) corrections to deliver Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) positional awareness and speed accuracy to one centimeter per second and an independent heading accuracy to 0.01 degrees. SafePilot displays high-density bathymetric seabed data to meet the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) S-102 standard. This allows the system to be used in challenging maneuvers, made possible through RTK corrections received via the SafePilot software when connected to a local NTRIP service. This connection is discoverable by SafePilot CAT PRO’s GPS which enables the receiver to signal that it is in RTK mode. SafePilot CAT PRO is the smallest, most accurate and versatile portable piloting system available today.

An extended battery life of 30 hours and ultra-fast wireless charging provides minimal loss of time between critical operations. SafePilot CAT PRO is configurable in four different operational modes to suit all types of vessel maneuvers with interchangeable units. It is extremely quick to set up whether using one unit on smaller vessels or two units and an extender on more complicated larger vessels or testing operations.

Developed in conjunction with working marine pilots from across the world, SafePilot is intuitive and easy to use, with optional software modules available to meet operational pilotage requirements. During each operational phase, data is filtered to display only relevant information to eliminate the risk of information overload. Benefits include enhanced safety through accurate, real-time data and improved situational overview.

SafePilot is a critical component of SmartPort by Trelleborg, which powers the interface between ship and port, on land and at sea. It connects port operations, allowing operators to analyze performance and use data to improve decision making to increase efficiencies, safety, return on investment (ROI) and sustainability for ports and vessels alike. The system integrates assets like fenders, mooring equipment, ship performance monitoring, and navigation systems through a network of sensors, underpinned by cloud and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.