Portable dynamic positioning system with self-contained diesel hydraulic thrusters

An integrated and self contained diesel hydraulic thruster system integral with a dynamic positioning control system for dynamic positioning of any waterborne vessel having a hull with at least two sides and a deck connecting the sides, comprising:

• a. at least two azimuthing thrusters, each removably mounted to the vessel, comprising:
• i. a skid removably secured to the deck;
• ii. an upper thruster housing, removably connected to the skid, containing steering gear with hydraulic slewing drive and electrical steering angle feedback sensors and a multi-port hydraulic swivel assembly;
• iii. a stem moveably connected with a connector to the skid;
• iv. a strut connected to the stem;
• v. a hydraulic pod connected to the strut;
• wherein the pod comprises a housing a hydraulic motor contained within the housing;
• vi. a drive shaft connected to the hydraulic motor on one end;
• vii. at least one propeller with nozzle connected to the drive shaft;
• and
• viii. a bundle of stem hydraulic hoses connecting on one end to the multi-port hydraulic swivel assembly and on the other end to the hydraulic motor;
• b. at least two self-contained diesel hydraulic power units removably secured to the deck, one for each thruster, comprising:
• i. a housing comprising a diesel engine with a fuel day tank, wherein the diesel engine is connected to a hydraulic pump with a hydraulic reservoir and a hydraulic cooler;
• ii. a cooling system for the engine;
• iii. an exhaust system for the engine;
• iv. an alternator for the engine;
• v. an electrical control system for the engine;
• vi. an electric starter for the engine;
• vii. a battery for the engine;
• and
• viii. a bundle of hydraulic hoses and an electrical control cable, each having a first and second end, wherein each the first ends are secured to the hydraulic power unit and the other ends are secured to the thruster skid;
• c. at least one dynamic positioning computer connected to each of the self contained diesel hydraulic power units;
• d. at least one motion reference sensor connected to the dynamic positioning computer to correct reference position signals for motion of the vessel;
• e. at least one heading sensor;
• and
• f. at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of position reference sensors connected to the dynamic positioning computer;
• environmental sensors connected to the dynamic positioning computer;
• and combinations thereof.