D/V CHIKYU uses GPS positioning data from satellites and an acoustic positioning system that communicates with transponders on the ocean floor, to specify its position and measure the forces acting on the ship (wind, wave, and current direction and speed).

Those data are used to predict the direction and speed at which the ship could deviate from its position. Based on those predictions, computer-controlled thrusters (huge propellers that can rotate 360 degree) apply counter-thrust in opposition to that deviation to hold the D/V CHIKYU in position. D/V CHIKYU can continue drilling for months or a year in surface currents up to 3-4 knots, wind speeds of up to 23 meters per second, and wave heights of up to 4.5 meters.