Article

TRENZ SIRIUS: Improved Pilot Unit (PPU) from Germany


by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 18 February 2025 -  9092 -

Press release from TRENZ, Germany - Picture of TRENZ SIRIUS
The SIRIUS Portable Pilot Unit is a new development from TRENZ. The electronics and software were completely redesigned over a development period of around two years. The proven compact form factor of the TRENZ device enclosures has been retained and you will recognise the SIRIUS Pilot Unit by its contrasting blue colour.

Increased accuracy

In practice, the TRENZ SIRIUS Pilot Unit achieves more accurate values in terms of position data (GNSS) and rotation rate (ROT) than its predecessor TRENZ +IP65, even if the technical specifications (theoretical values) of the integrated sensors are similar according to the respective manufacturers datasheets. This is achieved through more advanced hardware and intelligent sensor fusion algorithms.

Faster operational readiness

After switching on the TRENZ SIRIUS Pilot Unit, the device is ready for use within 25 to 30 seconds.
More than 1000 TRENZ PPU devices have been sold in more than 40 countries since 2018
More than 1000 TRENZ PPU devices have been sold in more than 40 countries since 2018
More than 1000 TRENZ PPU devices have been sold in more than 40 countries since 2018
More than 1000 TRENZ PPU devices have been sold in more than 40 countries since 2018

USB Power Delivery and shorter charging times

With the predecessor (TRENZ +IP65), fast charging of the battery was generally only possible with the enclosed TRENZ power supply unit due to various USB charging standards in the past.
The SIRIUS Pilot Unit not only charges its batteries faster than the preceding model, but can also be charged quickly with all power supply units that comply with the USB Power Delivery standard. These include, for example, various phone and laptop chargers or the 20W USB-C power adapter from Apple.
Of course, like its predecessor the SIRIUS Pilot Unit can be charged simultaneously during operation onboard a vessel.

Longer battery runtimes

When developing the SIRIUS Pilot Unit, it was important to focus on energy-saving components and more efficient energy management. As a result, the device can be operated for longer with the same battery capacity compared to its predecessor. Depending on the respective configuration of the SIRIUS Pilot Unit, a running time of up to 24 hours can be achieved; the average running time is approx. 17 hours.

Reverse polarity protected AIS connection to the ship

In rare cases, it can happen that the so-called pilot plug on board a ship is not wired according to the standard or is wired incorrectly. This can result in pilot units from other manufacturers being unable to receive data. The TRENZ SIRIUS Pilot Unit is able to recognise problems with the wiring of the pilot plug and ensure that data can still be received.

Size and weight

With exactly the same dimensions of 130mm x 75mm x 28mm, the SIRIUS pilot unit weighs slightly less than its predecessor +IP65 (216 g).

IP65 protection class

Like its predecessor +IP65, which also bears the protection class in its name, the Pilot Unit SIRIUS is also dustproof to IP65 and protected against light water spray.
TRENZ GmbH | Maritime IT Solutions made in Germany
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Article Operational notes & recommendations on Portable Pilot Units (PPU)

by United Kingdom Maritime Pilots Association - published on 2 December 2021

OPERATIONAL NOTES AND RECOMMENDATIONS by UKMPA, February 2017
The introduction of modern lightweight Portable Pilot Units (PPU) for use during pilotage has proved to be another major advance for pilotage operations worldwide.

1

Article P&O Maritime Logistics Equipping Pilots In Jebel Ali With Updated Pilot Portable Units (PPUs)

published on 2 November 2022

P&O Maritime Logistics has equipped all pilots in Jebel Ali with new Pilot Portable Units (PPUs). The PPUs are made by TRENZ and supported by Wärtsilä software.

3

Article What is a Portable Pilot Unit (PPU)?

by TRENZ GmbH - published on 1 April 2024

A portable pilot unit (PPU) is a portable navigation aid system designed specifically for ship pilots, such as the SIRIUS series from TRENZ in Germany (www.trenz-ppu.com).

2

Video Harken Man Overboard Rescue System

published on 22 July 2024

Harken introduces the man overboard recovery system, developed in collaboration with the Genoa Port Pilots. Specifically designed for pilots and pilot boats, this innovative system is ideal for all operators working in marine environments where there is a risk of falling into the water.

2

Video Presenting OpenBridge Design System at DSD2020 in Oslo

published on 6 May 2020

I recently presented the OpenBridge design system at the Design System Day 2020 in Oslo. I talked about what OpenBridge is, how it differs from other design systems and where we are heading.
The conference was moved online due to the Corona virus, so I had to record the presentation using my mobile phone, and get Jon Olav from the lab to add the slides. So - apologize for the home quality of the presentation, but I hope you enjoy learning more about our work!
Since we launched the free...

0

Video How an AIS MOB Personal Emergency Transmitter works

published on 10 September 2020

Within seconds after the AIS MOB personal locator beacon easyONE-DSC is submerged into the water, the unit activates automatically and starts trasnmitting AIS and DSC alerts into vicinity of up to 7 nauticval miles.
You can also see the bright and strong red LED flare flashing which increases visibility of the victim in darkness drastically.
More product information

1

Video TRENZ Pilot Plug - Configuring the Pilot Plug (iOS & WiFi)

published on 5 July 2019

This video shows how to change the startup configuration of your TRENZ Pilot Plug using the TRENZ Pilot Plug Manager and an iPad Pro 9.7".
The TRENZ Pilot Plug Manager is downloadable in the Apple App Store. Get it here: https://itunes.apple.com/de/app/pilot...
Please visit https://trenz-pilotplug.com/ for more information.

0

Opinion How OpenBridge seeks to improve maritime workplaces

by Prof. Kjetil Nordby Institute of Design - The Oslo School of Architecture and Design - published on 6 May 2020

Lack of standard user interfaces across bridge equipment is a major concern for maritime safety. Pilots are in a unique position, as they are constantly exposed to new and differing bridge working environments, equipment, interface designs and combinations of systems. As pilots face this problem throughout every shift they need to put in considerable effort to adjust their work to the many user interfaces they meet.

0

Video Wind Impact on Ships Turning Motion

published on 20 January 2021

This video complements the earlier demonstration of wind effect on straight track and shows now wind effect on turning circles. It can be seen that during a turn under strong wind the ship reduces turning when it comes close to equilibrium on straight track - if the Wind-to-ship speed ratio is big enough then the ship even goes straight instead of turning. This is shown for three samples for Head, Stern wind and Beam wind. The turning can be increased if the ratio of Wind speed-to-ship...

1

Video Thousands of Miles at Sea – Why Are the Last Few Miles Through the Panama Canal So Difficult?

published on 6 October 2026

Thousands of miles across the open ocean can seem like the easy part of a ship's journey. The real challenge begins when a massive vessel reaches the final few dozen miles, where open water gives way to narrow channels, strict traffic controls, powerful tugboats, and enormous locks. Nowhere is this more apparent than at the Panama Canal, where ships must be carefully guided through a complex system designed to move them between two oceans. So how can the last few miles of a journey become...

0