After successfully conducting a cargo run trial in the North Sea, the 12-meter-long autonomous ship ‘Maxlimer’ is set to set sail from Canada in an attempt of the world’s first transatlantic voyage without a crew. The voyage is expected to last about 35 days.
Boston-based Sea Machines Robotics announced a new partnership with Canadian workboat manufacturer Hike Metal, to integrate an autonomous vessel control system aboard commercial vessels tasked with search-and-rescue (SAR) missions.
Shell has awarded Australian marine survey company Guardian Geomatics with a large hydrographic project utilising its fleet of unmanned surface vessels. The project is to acquire hydrographic data over an area in excess of 800km2.
KVH Industries announced that it has sold its maritime training business, the Videotel group of companies, to an affiliate of Oakley Capital for a base purchase price of $90 million. The sale was completed immediately upon execution of definitive agreements. The company will invest in the development and commercialization of our photonic integrated chip technology for use in autonomous vehicles and other commercial and military platforms.
An autonomous boat has successfully conducted a cargo run from the UK to Belgium. The 12m-long SEA-KIT Maxlimer sailed from West Mersea to Oostende on May 6, carrying a box of oysters. In order to navigate safely in one of the busiest shipping lanes, it relied in various technologies. The sail lasted a total of 22 hours, as the ship can move slowly at only a few knots.
MPA Singapore warned that it will test an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle. The operation will take place north of Small Craft Anchorage ‘A’. The testing will occur from 13 May 2019 to 17 May 2019. A safety boat will also be in attendance at all times to warn and re-direct craft in the vicinity to keep clear of the working area.
Lloyd’s Register announced a MoU with ICT provider ST Engineering Electronics Ltd. (STEE) and Japanese logistics company Mitsui & Co., Ltd., to collaborate on the ‘Development of Ocean-going Autonomous Navigation System on a Marine Asset’.
A series of tests took place on 19 and 20 March with autonomous operations in the North Sea, about 5 nautical miles from the coast at Den Helder. The SeaZip 3, a Damen Fast Crew Supplier 2610 ‘Twin Ax’ was equipped with intelligent control to avoid collisions and took part in various runs of nautical scenarios to enable interaction of the ship with other shipping traffic.
As automation is becoming an integral part of everyday life, the shipping industry makes no exception. Mr. Dimitrios Lyrakos, Chief Executive Officer, ASCOT Consulting LTD, describes how automation will affect the maritime sector, saying that the number of seafarers will decline, but these changes will create new job opportunities as well.
On the occasion of the Mobile World Congress 2019 this week, Stockholm-based telecommunications company Ericsson is showcasing a Smart Vessel industrial use case – operating remotely on commercial 4G broadband. The use case is a joint development of Ericsson, China Mobile and OceanAlpha.
