Anschütz has recently completed the first delivery of its new autopilot NautoPilot 5400 NX to the MV Corona Sea, a dual-rudder RoRo cargo vessel. Autopilots from Anschütz’s new NautoPilot 5000 NX series combine unique algorithms for highly precise steering performance with efficient fuel-saving features.

The installation of the NautoPilot 5400 NX took place during a dry-docking period in Landskrona, Sweden, and was performed by Anschütz’s long-time distributor and service partner Syberg AS. After the ship returned to its regular service between Finland and Germany, the autopilot was able to demonstrate its strong steering performance.

“The autopilot works very well and I am more than satisfied”, said Linas Skerys, Master of MV Corona Sea. “It keeps the heading very precise, and course control is operating perfectly.”

The crew relies on the usability of Anschütz´s new autopilot and the accuracy of its heading and course control modes, no matter whether one or two pumps are used for each rudder. In particular, steering onto a new course and steering at low speed is considered excellent, which is of high importance, especially when navigating the Baltic Sea with its narrow sailing areas, islands and archipelagos.

The optimal autopilot settings for efficient steering performance were fine-tuned during the crossing from Landskrona to Hanko, Finland. These not only enable precise steering, but can also contribute to fuel savings.

“We know that multiple factors including ship characteristics, load conditions and weather significantly affect fuel consumption,” said Olav Denker, Product Manager for autopilots and steering control systems at Anschütz. “We offer the crew a combination of autopilot settings and modes to determine optimal rudder movements that minimise fuel consumption.”

Fuel-saving features of the NautoPilot 5400 NX include a heading and rudder plot, a course control mode, an economy mode and a toe angle function. Statistical data obtained from prototype trials have confirmed that savings between 1 and 4 percent can be achieved depending on certain factors such as draught and speed.

Over the coming weeks, the exact fuel savings from the new autopilot installation on board MV Corona Sea will be monitored. MV Corona Sea is a 188 metres long RoRo cargo vessel operated by Transfennica and managed by AdMare Ship Management AB. Further vessels under AdMare´s management will be updated with Anschütz´s new NautoPilot 5000 NX autopilot series – a contributor to reducing CO2 emissions by providing excellent fuel efficiency.