Classification Society ClassNK has concluded a joint research agreement for developing advanced condition-based maintenance (CBM); a new maintenance and management system to be used for the machineries of autonomous ships, as well as to further establish a new classification survey scheme based on CBM.
Researchers at Tallinn University of Technology have developed a prototype of the autonomous ship “NYMO”, which aims to be used for parcel delivery, mapping the seabed, conducting rescue operations and detecting pollution.
Japan will acquire an autonomous underwater vehicle in 2020, in line with the Government’s search for industrially vital rare-earth elements, in what officials describe as the world’s first survey of its kind, according to Nikkei Asian Review. For the project, Japan will spend about 1 billion yen ($9.2 million), for the AUV and the rest of the equipment.
Maritime UK has launched an updated version of the industry Code of Practice for autonomous vessels, assisting owners and interested parties on following specific guidelines, focusing on safety, environmental protection and right choice of technical solutions.
A strategy to advance trade and investment into the UK’s premier position for maritime businesses was launched by International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss, on 17 of September. The Maritime Trade and Investment Five Year Plan focuses on five main areas.
One Sea coordinator DIMECC and the European Space Agency signed a Memorandum of Intent, aiming to bring together leading exponents of autonomous ship technology. The agreement aspires to encourage the development of space-based applications to analyse, enable and deploy maritime digitalisation and autonomy using latest generation connectivity.
In 2018, the Shipowners’ Club launched a dedicated autonomous vessel P&I policy. The Club consulted owners, operators and manufacturers of autonomous ships to make sure it had the right cover in place so that operators can focus on their operations knowing they are appropriately covered if anything should go wrong.
The European Commission announced its plan on financing autonomous shipping in European waters. AUTOSHIP will construct and operate two remote and autonomous vessels and the required shore control and operation infrastructure, reaching and going over TRL7.
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.
