Article

TRENZ SIRIUS: Improved Pilot Unit (PPU) from Germany


by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 18 February 2025 7910 -

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

2

Video IZ 1500 AL Pilot Boat : "Good Design Award Winner" Boat

published on 2 July 2025

IZ 1500 AL PILOT BOAT, is now ready to conquer the seas! 🚤 Winner of the Design Turkey 2021 Good Design Award, the IZ 1500 AL Pilot is a reconfigured pilot boat with a rugged aluminum hull, robust fenders, and a Hadrian safety rail system. Compatible with various propulsion systems like water jets, Volvo Penta IPS, and conventional shafts, it ensures safety and comfort in demanding operations. 🌐izmirshipyard.com Passionate about the sea, innovation, and quality craftsmanship. 🌊...

0

Article Port of Waterford receives the "Port Láirge" Pilot Boat

published on 24 November 2021

THE 15-metre-long ‘Port Láirge’, the Port of Waterford’s new Pilot Boat, was received by crew at the Dunmore East pontoon this (Friday) morning, two years after her commissioning.

1

Article Pilot Transfer Arrangements and new Regulations

by Captain Jesus Señeriz Lopez - published on 4 February 2020

As we all know there is a new regulation established since July 2012, this new regulation refers to pilot transfer arrangements. There are other yearly safety campaigns such as IMPA that include SOLAS V.23 and IMO Resolution A 1045 and Resolution A.1108(29). Unfortunately, in this annual overview there were some accidents reported that could have been avoided.

0

Article Final Report following the loss of containers from MSC ZOE (1/1/2019)

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 29 June 2020

On the night of January 1, 2019, MSC Zoe lost approximately 290 containers in heavy weather on the journey from Portugal to Bremerhaven. The loss of so many containers is an exceptional event and is the second largest known container loss of a ship due to heavy weather.

0

Article Finnpilot in 2020: the continuity of pilotage activities was safeguarded through successful protective measures

published on 31 March 2021

The successful protective measures implemented by Finnpilot Pilotage contributed to ensuring the continuity of Finland’s foreign trade, also amid the coronavirus pandemic. The number of pilotage assignments decreased significantly along with the decline in vessel traffic.

0

Article Study: "Performance assessment in full-scale simulators"

published on 14 July 2021

Study from 2020: Precise assessment of complex maritime navigation requires reliable and valid assessment frameworks. The purpose of this research was to examine the reliability and validity of the proposed CAPA-tool.

4

Video Pilot disembarkation from tanker at BAY OF BENGAL

published on 9 November 2021

Hooghly river Marine pilotage is one of the toughest and longest pilotage in the world,
pilots here face many challenges daily to enable safe passage of ships from bay of Bengal to the port of CALCUTTA and Haldia.
Pilot embarkation and disembarkation is a vital part , where the pilot climbs up or down a rope ladder ,if the free board is more than 9 meters then combination ladder is used it needs very good physical fitness practice and experience to safely embark and disembark from these...

1