A seagoing vessel is subject to forces from wind, waves and currents as well as from forces generated by the propulsion system. Dynamic positioning is a capability of a vessel to maintain its position automatically using its propulsion system. In the offshore industry DP is used on diving support vessels, pipelay vessels, shuttle tankers, platform supply vessels etc. The DP system is a complete installation necessary for dynamically positioning of a vessel, including the vessel’s power system, thruster system and the DP control system.
Further reading: ABS Guide for Dynamic Positioning Systems