Kongsberg Maritime successfully completed a live trial of the autonomous operation of vessel Zulu 4 in Bornem, Belgium.
The test vessel, Zulu 4, completed a 16.5-kilometre circuit starting from a port in Niel on the Rupel River. The ship entered a busy sea canal before traversing locks and passing several bridges as well as a yacht club and marina.
A few days ago, Kongsberg Maritime had also successfully completed the autonomous operation of Eidsvaag Pioner, a coastal cargo ship, in Norway.
Together with last week’s successful demonstration of a coastal cargo ship in Norway, we have proved that these technologies are applicable across different vessel types and suited to a variety of operations
… said Pål André Eriksen, Senior Vice President, Remote & Autonomous Solutions, Kongsberg Maritime
As part of the test, Zulu 4 manoeuvred and navigated on unrestricted waterways, and it demonstrated berthing and unberthing capability. To achieve this, the vessel was upgraded with onboard control technology, while an onshore remote operation centre (ROC) provided support.
A safety crew was onboard the vessel during the test.
Kongsberg technologies used in the trial included Autodocking, Autocrossing and automatic navigation systems. The company has also developed cloud-based communications systems and advanced simulations to test and ensure that the vessel operated safely and optimally.
This will allow the industry to respond to the triple challenges of zero emission transport, real modal shift and the looming workers shortage crisis.
… said Antoon Van Coillie, CEO, ZULU Associates
Under remote monitoring from the ROC, the team and vessel had to show situational awareness, engine and machinery monitoring, berthing/unberthing and manoeuvring in port.
The same tasks were demonstrated under autonomous control, as well as collision avoidance, grounding avoidance, transit sailing and automatic mooring. Zulu 4 also demonstrated the ability to switch between autonomous operation and remote-controlled operation.