Article

TRENZ SIRIUS: Improved Pilot Unit (PPU) from Germany


by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 18 February 2025 8221 -

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

Article Port of Ferrol (Spain) welcomes new pilot boat

by Baird Maritime - published on 2 December 2024

Irish boatbuilder Safehaven Marine recently handed over a new pilot boat to the Port of Ferrol in northwestern Spain. Named Punta Do Cruceiro, the vessel was designed for operation even under challenging conditions in the waters in that region of the Atlantic.

0

Article Harbour Master Naresh Sewnath navigates his way to success

published on 13 October 2020

Two decades ago, candidates were selected for TNPA's accelerated training programme in Rotterdam, which aimed to train a new generation of ship pilots, managers and other maritime professionals.

0

Article Report: Securing of pilot ladders at intermediate lengths – testing

by nc2 Engineering Consultancy - University of Southhampton - published on 28 July 2023

Report by nC2 Engineering Consultancy at the University of Southampton on behalf of the International Maritime Pilots' Association (IMPA) to investigate the effectiveness and impact of different methods of securing pilot ladders in medium lengths in a laboratory-based project.

0

Article Port of Townsville to expand pilot boat fleet

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 24 January 2020

The Port of Townsville, northern Australia’s largest multi-cargo port, is expanding its fleet of pilot boats to four.

The Port has awarded Hart Marine a $3 million contract to build a 17.3m ORC vessel that is due for delivery later in 2020. The new high-tech vessel will be slightly longer but have the same design features as the PV Osprey which was delivered by Hart Marine in late 2017.

0

Article Maritime Big Data in Demand - Vessels on a Map Is No Longer Cutting It

by GateHouse Maritime A/S - published on 30 October 2019

In the last couple of years several paid as well as free tools have made it easier than ever to access vessels on a map. Although vessels shown on a map have their place, authorities and industry are understanding the greater potential and value of the underlying AIS data.

0

Article The continuum of simulator-based maritime training and education

published on 23 November 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to the maritime supply chain and called for accelerated adoption of digital technologies in various aspects of maritime operations, including the area of maritime education and training (MET).

0

Video Pilot boarding in Alaska (video by "The Tyler Show")

published on 17 September 2024

Puget Sound Pilots, Southeast Alaska Pilots’ Association (SEAPA), & BC Coast Pilots board an Alaska based cruise ship.

0