Conquering Our Mighty Seas: Modern Marine Motion Control

About this episode

This episode features an interview with Jon Frey discussing hydraulic motion control solutions for marine applications.

In this episode of Fluid Power Forum, host Eric Lanke interviews Jon Frey, head of product area new business at Bosch Rexroth, about hydraulic motion control solutions that help "conquer the seas" by improving vessel and load stability in harsh maritime environments. Frey explains how hydraulics power and precisely control marine systems such as winches, cranes, steering gears, thrusters, stabilizers, mooring/constant-tension control, and active heave compensation (AHC). He describes AHC as using sensors like accelerometers and motion reference units (MRUs), responsive hydraulic winches, and control algorithms—often integrated with broader vessel control architectures and dynamic positioning—to keep suspended loads (e.g., ROVs or drilling equipment) stable relative to the seabed despite wave-induced heave. Frey also highlights design challenges including dynamic response, corrosion resistance, environmental forces, and future advances like AI/machine learning, real-time analytics, condition monitoring, and predictive maintenance. Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including Apple…

People in this episode

Host: Eric Lanke

Guest: Jon Frey

Topics covered

• marine motion control
• hydraulic systems
• vessel stability
• dynamic positioning
• environmental challenges

Keywords

• hydraulics
• marine systems
• active heave compensation
• dynamic response
• corrosion resistance

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Bosch Rexroth, National Fluid Power Association

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