We are excited to share that our VISOR product is now fully operational on the tugboats of Boluda Belgium. This milestone comes with significant success, particularly highlighted during a recent manoeuvre involving large vessels. Here’s a closer look at the operation:

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Navigating Challenges with Precision: A Success Story Using dotOcean VISOR

In the dynamic world of maritime operations, precision, safety, and adaptability are crucial, especially when handling large vessels in challenging conditions. A recent success story shared by a tugboat captain highlights the transformative power of dotOcean's VISOR system during a complex manoeuvre in a busy European port.The Challenge: Guiding a Large Vessel

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The captain and their team were tasked with assisting a large cargo vessel—measuring over 240 meters in length and 36 meters in width—to its berth in a narrow docking area. Adding complexity to the task, another sizable ship was already docked nearby, leaving very little room for manoeuvring.To complicate matters further:‍

• Weather conditions were severe, with strong winds reaching force 7 and higher gusts
• The operation occurred at low tide, increasing the risk of grounding.
• The tugboat, serving as a push-pull vessel, faced limited manoeuvrability due to tight spaces between the two ships.

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The captain and their team were tasked with assisting a large cargo vessel—measuring over 240 meters in length and 36 meters in width—to its berth in a narrow docking area. Adding complexity to the task, another sizable ship was already docked nearby, leaving very little room for manoeuvring.To complicate matters further:‍

• Weather conditions were severe, with strong winds reaching force 7 and higher gusts
• The operation occurred at low tide, increasing the risk of grounding.
• The tugboat, serving as a push-pull vessel, faced limited manoeuvrability due to tight spaces between the two ships.

Leveraging dotOcean VISOR for Precision in such high-stakes scenarios, real-time situational awareness is critical. This is where dotOcean’s VISOR system proved invaluable. Designed to provide a detailed, bird’s-eye view of the environment, VISOR enabled the captain to navigate with precision and confidence.‍

• Real-time visibility: The VISOR system displayed the relative positions of the ships, obstacles, and water depth, allowing for quick decision-making.
• Indispensable support in tight spaces: When strong winds threatened to push the tugboat’s stern into a dangerous position, the captain utilized indirect towing mode. This mode allowed for maintaining control without compromising safety.
• Seamless adjustments: To avoid shallow water near the other vessel, the captain made the strategic decision to rotate the tugboat 180°. The VISOR’s visual feedback was instrumental in executing this manoeuvre safely and effectively.

The Outcome: A Safe and Successful Berth

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"Without VISOR , we would have been forced to halt the operation and reconsider our approach. The system's bird’s eye view allowed us to safely rotate the tugboat and continue the manoeuvre without interruption, ensuring the mission was completed successfully."

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Thanks to the precise information provided by the VISOR system, the operation concluded without incident. The captain successfully positioned the tugboat in a safe location, enabling the large vessel to berth securely. The final positioning demonstrated both the captain's expertise and the capabilities of dotOcean’s VISOR system.Conclusion: Empowering Maritime Operations

This success story underscores the critical role that advanced technology plays in modern maritime operations. The dotOcean VISOR system not only enhances safety but also empowers operators to make confident decisions, even in the most challenging conditions.This example highlights how dotOcean’s innovative solutions are transforming the industry by providing unparalleled situational awareness and operational flexibility.

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