Zhang Benwei, a senior engineer at the China Classification Society (CCS), explained that marine DP systems are a high-tech field. They can collect real-time sea condition parameters such as waves, currents, and wind, then use core module software (including self-corrected ship models, thrust allocation, and online monitoring) to achieve automatic ship positioning under complex sea conditions, ensuring the safety of ship operations.
According to Song Jiahui, foreign institutions have long monopolized both the technology of marine DP systems and the training and certification of related personnel. Xiao Maolin, General Manager of the Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental Protection Department of China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), noted that CNOOC staff must obtain training certificates from foreign institutions to participate in offshore engineering projects, which involves high training costs and long timeframes.
Zhang Benwei stated that China has made breakthroughs in marine DP system technology in recent years. The fully independent and localized DP system developed by Harbin Chuanghai Intelligent Equipment Technology Co., Ltd. (Harchuan Intelligent Equipment) has won the Second Prize of the National Science and Technology Progress Award. This system is increasingly being installed and used on China’s marine engineering vessels.
Song Jiahui introduced that since the end of 2022, CDSA has initiated the development of a training and certification system for marine positioning systems and compiled training materials aligned with international standards. Under CDSA’s guidance, Shanghai Huayang Maritime Technology Development Co., Ltd. and Harchuan Intelligent Equipment have jointly established China’s first self-accredited training center. To date, the center has trained over 150 operation and maintenance professionals for more than 40 institutions, including CNOOC, China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), PetroChina, and China Rescue & Salvage.
Co-hosted by CDSA and the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), the symposium brought together over 100 domestic and international experts to discuss topics such as risk control in marine positioning operations. Song Jiahui emphasized that CDSA will actively participate in the formulation of international standards to enhance China’s voice in the field of marine positioning.
The China Diving & Salvage Association is a Grade AAAA social organization approved by the Ministry of Civil Affairs, with over 1,000 member units. The International Marine Contractors Association is a non-governmental organization dedicated to safety in the marine engineering industry, with members in more than 60 countries.
