CTV to be operated remotely in proof-of-concept trial

For the trials to take place, Robosys Automation has secured what it described as a ‘landmark’ retrofit deal and has been awarded a contract to retrofit a 26-m Damen 2610 Fast Crew Supplier (FCS) with its Voyager AI maritime autonomy software. The vessel, built in 2015 to Lloyd’s Register classification standards, is powered by twin Caterpillar C32 engines with direct drives and is equipped with an Alphatron autopilot, Böning control system, Bosch Rexroth ship controls and a Hydrosta bow thruster. The project will be the company’s second use of Robosys’ Voyager AI on a CTV, having first retrofitted a similar Damen 26-m CTV with the Voyager AI in 2019.

Responding to questions from OWJ about the intended use of the vessel, a spokesperson for Robosys Automation described the project as a “proof-of-concept trial before advancing to higher functionality autonomy and then to fully unmanned operation.” The spokesperson confirmed the vessel will be remotely controlled with autonomous route following, with personnel on board. The trials will take place in the Mediterranean and Atlantic.

Onboard systems on the CTV will be integrated with Robosys’ Voyager AI, enabling remote control as well as enhanced safe autonomous navigation and safe and smart decision-making capabilities using integrated electronic navigation charts for route/path planning and replanning validation plus COLREGS-based collision avoidance. The contract, awarded by an undisclosed European client, involves a comprehensive retrofit to ensure optimal performance of the Voyager AI platform in real-world offshore support operations, including crew transfers, logistics and dynamic positioning tasks.

In a statement about the project, Robosys Automation chief strategy officer Nigel Lee says, “This project is a significant leap forward, not only for Robosys, but for the offshore renewables industry. Integration of Voyager AI into this Damen FCS 2610 highlights confidence in smart vessel technology and its ability to enhance safety, operational efficiency and sustainability in offshore wind operations.”

Voyager AI offers scalable levels of autonomy, ranging from decision-support to fully autonomous operations, and is built to integrate with existing vessel control systems with minimal disruption. It can be used to transform a new or existing vessel into a fully autonomous uncrewed vessel that is capable of independent navigation, autonomous collision avoidance, obstacle and anti-grounding with dynamic route optimisation. It uses AI and machine learning algorithms to provide scalable levels of autonomy, from remote control up to and including full IMO degree 4 autonomy.

Mr Lee says integrating Voyager AI into the CTV is “a major step forward, enhancing the safety, efficiency and sustainability of offshore operations.” He concludes, “As the offshore wind industry continues to evolve, embracing advanced autonomy is a natural progression to meet future demands, for safer and cleaner seas.”