CONTROL DEVICE FOR ACHIEVING OPTIMUM USE OF THE ENERGY WHICH IS PRODUCED BY A VESSEL'S MAIN ENERGY SOURCE

A control system for achieving optimum use of the energy from a vessel's main energy source. The vessel control system includes a main energy source, a generator device, at least one motor, and a power line network connecting the main energy source, the generator device and the at least one motor. The system further includes a maneuvering device for controlling the main energy source, the generator device and the at least one motor. A global positioning system is provided in the control system, together with a programmable logic control device for receiving information from at least one of the maneuvering device and the global positioning system, and for transmitting control impulses to the at least one motor for operation thereof based on an optimization data program for obtaining desired movement of the vessel. An electric control network connects the main energy source, the generator device and the at least one motor to the maneuvering device, the global positioning system and the programmable logic control device. The programmable logic control device is arranged to receive information concerning a desired movement of the vessel from, e.g. the maneuvering device or the GP system and to transmit control impulses to the motors for the operation thereof based on an optimization data program for achieving the desired movement of the vessel with a minimum energy consumption.