Title: Experience with HIL Simulator Testing of Power Management Systems

The successful operation of DP vessels depends more and more on advanced integrated functionality of software-based control systems. Consequently, software related problems, often in conjunction with hardware and/or human errors, may lead to vessel construction delays, downtime during operation, reduced income for clients, increased cost, and reduced safety. In order to reduce these risks, independent third party Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulator testing has recently been applied for extensive software testing and verification of dynamic positioning systems on more than 40 offshore DP vessels. In this paper we report on experiences from HIL testing of Power Management Systems (PMS) on DP drilling, supply, anchor handling and construction vessels.