Article

TRENZ SIRIUS: Improved Pilot Unit (PPU) from Germany


by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 18 February 2025 -  8978 -

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

Article Lock in Kiel-Holtenau is back in operation after accident

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 4 September 2020

According to WSA Kiel-Holtenau: The northern chamber of the Great Lock has been put back into operation. Both chambers are available to the shipping industry.

2

Article Ship ahoy! Using AIS data

by LuxSpace Sàrl - published on 30 January 2019

How LUXSPACE uses AIS messages to monitor worldwide shipping traffic

0

Video Stuck at sea: Mega cargo ship wedged in Suez Canal causes traffic jam

published on 25 March 2021

Tug boats and a digger struggle to free a mega cargo ship, blocking one of the world's busiet shipping pathways.
Dozens of ships are stuck because a container ship almost half a kilometre long is wedged across the waterway.

0

Article NZ Taic releases Report on 2018 Bulker grounding in Bluff Harbour

by Baird Maritime - published on 16 October 2021

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission of New Zealand (TAIC) has released its report on the incident involving the grounding of a foreign-flagged cargo vessel at Bluff Harbour on November 28, 2018.

0

Article Electronic Chart Standards: IHO ECDIS and ENC

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 29 October 2019

Found on YouTube:

Tom Mellor - C​hairman of the IHO Electronic Navigational Chart Working Group (ENC WG) and Head of Digital Standards at the UKHO - explains what the IHO's ECDIS and ENC Standards mean.

0

Opinion The Story behind the Puget Sound Pilots Maternity Policy

by Writer Mauri Shuler - published on 19 September 2022

The Puget Sound Pilots have captured what other businesses have done: create a comprehensive dedicated maternity plan that can be a model for others.

3

Video Pilot 745 SE from Sweden

published on 25 September 2022

0