Advancing Safety, Innovation, and Collaboration: Highlights from the 2025 MTS Dynamic Positioning Conference
The 2025 MTS Dynamic Positioning (DP) Conference once again brought together industry leaders, engineers, and innovators from around the globe to advance the future of dynamic positioning technology. Held in Houston, the conference featured engaging discussions, technical presentations, and networking opportunities that reinforced MTS's commitment to advancing safe, reliable, and innovative DP operations worldwide.
Setting the Stage for Collaboration
The conference began with a one-day workshop and welcome reception that created a strong foundation for connection and collaboration. The MTS DP Committee extends sincere appreciation to our workshop sponsors — AKA Energy Systems, Nobel Corporation, ABS Group, Hornbeck Offshore, OneStep Power, Tidewater, Gate Energy, Edison Chouest Offshore, Transocean, Requiron, M3 Marine Group, Sebastian, and Harvey Gulf International Marine — whose support made this pre-conference engagement possible.
Photo: Suman Muddusetti (DP Committee Chair) delivering opening remarks on stage alongside the participants of the Business Leaders Panel.
Leadership and Insight at the Forefront
MTS DP Committee Chair, Suman Muddusetti opened the main program with remarks emphasizing the importance of continued innovation and collaboration across the DP community. His remarks set the tone for an engaging Business Leaders Panel that explored the DP community's shared commitment to advancing technical standards while strengthening communication, training, and operational integrity across an evolving offshore landscape.
Honoring a Legacy of Leadership
A highlight of this year's conference was the presentation of the 2025 MTS Lifetime Achievement Award to Pete Fougere, recognizing nearly three decades of leadership, service, and lasting impact within the DP community.
Pete co-founded the MTS Dynamic Positioning Committee in 1996, serving first as Technical Chair of the inaugural conference and later as Chairman. Under his guidance, the Committee launched globally recognized guidance documents, created TECHOPS, and expanded its reach through international workshops from Houston to Singapore, Stavanger to Rio. His efforts built the foundation for the DP industry's global standard of safety, training, and excellence — and his influence continues to shape best practices worldwide.
Photo: Suman Muddusetti (DP Committee Chair), Pete Fougere (DP Committee Co-Founder & Lifetime Achievement Awardee)
Driving the Future of Dynamic Positioning
Throughout the conference, participants explored a range of topics central to the advancement of DP technology — from automation, redundancy, and power management to human factors, software assurance, and the regulatory environment. Technical sessions and exhibitions highlighted cutting-edge solutions that enhance operational resilience, environmental responsibility, and safety offshore.
The conversations throughout the week reflected the strength of the DP community: open collaboration, shared learning, and an unwavering dedication to progress.
Looking Ahead
As the DP industry continues to evolve, MTS remains committed to supporting this community through education, dialogue, and collaboration. Events like the DP Conference exemplify what makes MTS unique — a forum where knowledge is shared, challenges are addressed collectively, and innovation moves the entire sector forward.
Photo: Suman Muddusetti (DP Committee Chair), Aleks Karlsen (MTS Fellow), Chuck Centore (DP Committee Vice Chair & Conference Chair)
To all who attended, presented, and supported the 2025 MTS Dynamic Positioning Conference, thank you for your contributions. Your expertise and engagement continue to propel the industry, and MTS, toward a safer, smarter, and more connected future.
Lastly, thank you to our conference sponsors: ExxonMobil, Shell, TotalEnergies, DNV, Tritek, ABB, ABL Group, The Nautical Institute, SPOC Grid Inverter Technologies, Stena Drilling, Subsea7, and Transocean.