ISO 20661:2020

Overview

ISO 20661:2020 - Ships and marine technology - Cutter suction dredger supervisory and control systems - defines the components, structure, general requirements and subsystem functional requirements for supervisory and control systems installed on cutter suction dredgers (CSDs). The standard applies to the design, manufacture and modifications of installed systems only and describes an integrated CSD-SCS composed of a SCADA (including a Cutter Control System, CCS) and a Dredging Profile Monitor (DPM).

Key topics and technical requirements

• System architecture and components
  • Defines CSD-SCS structure: integrated SCADA + DPM, or independent systems linked via network.
  • Covers interfaces to heading sensors (gyro), tide receivers and echo sounders.
• Operating positions and control modes
  • Requires local and remote operating positions.
  • Specifies manual and emergency control modes (hardwired emergency controls for safety-critical equipment).
• HMI and visualization
  • Real-time mimic pages for main dredging overview, CCS view, DPM view, dredge pumps, winches, spud systems, production and diagnostics.
  • HMI graphic conventions: alarm colour scheme (e.g., red = highest alarm, yellow = warning), recommended colour tones, and brightness (night mode for bridge screens).
• Diagnostics and alarms
  • Diagnostic requirements include equipment failure, interlocking status, communication and sensor failures.
  • Alarm generation when equipment fails or parameters exceed set limits.
• Calibration and presets
  • Calibration functions for vessel position/heading, cutter depth, and sensor parameters.
  • Preset/setup: dimensions, system control parameters and operator process settings.
• Subsystem functional requirements
  • Detailed functional controls for spud & spud carrier, cutter drive, submersible and inboard dredge pumps, valves, ladder/swing/anchor winches and DPM measurement/metering.

Applications and practical value

• Ensures consistent, safe and interoperable supervisory and control systems for cutter suction dredgers.
• Useful for design and commissioning of dredging control systems, HMI development, SCADA integration and safety verification.
• Helps optimize dredging operations through standardised visualization, diagnostics, presets and measurement interfaces.

Who should use ISO 20661:2020

• Shipbuilders and system integrators
• OEMs of dredge pumps, cutters, winches and sensors
• Dredging contractors and fleet operators
• Naval architects, control system engineers and HMI/SCADA developers
• Classification societies and regulatory authorities reviewing CSD installations

Related standards

• ISO 8384 - Ships and marine technology - Dredgers - Vocabulary (referenced terminology used in ISO 20661:2020)

Keywords: ISO 20661:2020, cutter suction dredger, CSD-SCS, SCADA, DPM, dredging control systems, HMI, cutter system, dredge pump, spud system.