The CAESAR range of hardware and software modules are dedicated to the control of ship surge, sway and yaw motions, as well as roll and pitch damping. The modules are designed to interface with a broad range of devices and prime movers for propulsion, steering and motion damping. The CAESAR modules are configured in accordance with the customer needs, ranging from a single device to the full integration of all devices across the entire vessel. This enables control of a wide range of vessels. The high degree of adaptability to the mechanical design of the devices makes the CAESAR system well suitable for both retrofits and new building. Basic configurations of modules are available for the following ship’s devices:

• CAESAR for typical CPP vessels propelled by controllable pitch propellers and steered by rudders with transverse thrust devices and flaps for roll damping.
• CAESAR for typical FPP vessels propelled by fixed pitch propellers and steered by rudders with transverse thrust devices and flaps for roll damping.
• CAESAR for Azimuth vessels propelled and steered by steerable thrusters with transverse thrust devices.
• CAESAR for high-speed crafts with waterjets and motion damping devices, such as T-foils and trim-tabs.

The vessel’s propulsion drives may vary from dieselengines to electric motors and can be extended with modules for battery hybrid and generator modes as well as for dual-fuel LNG diesel-engines. The CAESAR design emphasises on:

• Achieving a high operational availability.
• Minimising the costs of fuel and emission.
• Ease of system adjustment and installation.
• Intuitive remote control, via displays and haptics, to ease the crew tasks.

THE CAESAR CONTROL CONSISTS OF: A typical CAESAR control cabinet contains two digital controllers: a main and back-up (NFU) controller. The main controller is used for lever follow-up (FU) control and supports various modes of operation, depending on the vessel’s mission and device’s machinery configuration. The backup controller contains basic backup control of the machinery to ensure control as long as possible under all circumstances. The CAESAR cabinet interfaces with machinery sensors and actuators. Operator station(s) consist of remote control panels with levers and steering wheels in conjunction with the required functionality. The remote control panels are customized to the owner’s requirements, such that these easily fit in the available space. They interface with the CAESAR PCS cabinet either hardwired or by fieldbus (e.g. CAN / ETHERNET). For a retrofit, existing (hard) wiring can be reused. Typical components are:

• Remote control lever(s) & tillers for setting the thrust and /or steering demands
• Pushbuttons / indication lamps or jog-switches, for station-in-control transfer, mode selection, clutch-control, hydraulic pump control or NFU back-up control.
• Displays for human-machine interfaces.

QUALITY IN FLEXIBILITY The CAESAR platform is built for a high degree of flexibility. The hardware is of a commercial-off-the-shelf brand, with a high reliability, a guaranteed future provision of spares (no obsolescence) and the possibility for an easy software upgrade in case of future requirements and/or future performance improvements. The system design and execution include focus on commonality in relation with other Kwant Controls control systems with apparent benefits in operation, maintenance and spare parts management. TECHNICAL GENERIC The CAESAR concept has been developed as an independent platform, suitable for all types and brands of machinery devices for propulsion, steering and motion damping. Our specialist engineers design each control system by starting at the ship with its machinery devices while thinking from the perspective of the crew. This way we ensure that the control of the machinery is perfectly tailored to the needs of the crew and owner. MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE High reliability gives a high Mean-Time-Between-Failures (MTBF). Logging of abnormalities with related machinery and system states support a low Mean-Time-To-Repair (MTTR). In the event the crew needs specialist support as well as for performance monitoring, the option of remote access and data logging are part of the possibilities. Furthermore, the availability of spare parts avoids delays. The CAESAR concept is designed such that the operator technicians can easily maintain and adjust the on-board systems.

The electronics revolution over the last decades has a serious impact which is not limited to:

• Obsoleteness of analogue electrical components such as dedicated circuit boards.
• Lack of skilled engineers to service older systems. Therefore keeping spare parts onboard does not guarantee uninterrupted ship’s service.
• Growing complexity and diversification of digital systems further limiting the possibility to find skilled engineers.

The above is becoming a serious but often ignored risk for ship operators, since a major malfunction in the control system can create idle time of the vessel. The good news is that a retrofit with a CAESAR Propulsion Control System (CAESAR PCS) can eliminate this risk. Furthermore, it will result in lower maintenance costs as well as improvements such as reduced fuel consumption. Over the years the proven CAESAR PCS has grown towards an extensive installed base for the world’s leading maritime companies, including the leading dredging corporates. CAEASAR systems are dedicated for control of propulsion and steering. All systems are built; to fulfill customer requirements and according to the rules & regulations of the Classification Societies. Its modular configuration allows for its versatile application on various types of ships. Furthermore, the CAESAR PCS is developed on a generic platform allowing to become independent of availability of Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) hardware. For Trailing Suction Hopper Dredgers (TSHD), dedicated (software) modules are designed, which makes the CAESAR PCS well suitable for various configurations and control principles. Both for main machinery driving dredge pumps and controllable pitch propellers (CPP’s) onboard of the TSHD. Please see downloads for the CAESAR Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger Systems brochure.