Autonomous navigation tech to be introduced for WindWings-equipped vessels

The collaboration with Groke will provide autonomous navigation technology to enhance passage at sea and port manoeuvrability for vessels equipped with BAR’s WindWings, which has tested its solid sail device aboard Mitsubishi Corp’s bulk carrier Pyxis Ocean. 

The vessel is chartered to commodity trader Cargill, and since becoming the first vessel retrofitted with WindWings, has made several voyages using Groke Pro in operation.

Aiming to support the maritime industry’s shift to new low-carbon propulsion systems, whereby traditional lines-of-sight may be obstructed, Groke Pro provides imagery to the bridge collated from multiple locations on the vessel, together with an analysis of objects in the vessel’s periphery. Sensor fusion technology can combine inputs from different sensors on the vessel, including radar, AIS and Groke Pro’s day and night cameras to improve situational awareness.

The technology also offers real-time risk analysis to the vessel crew to support their decision-making.

BAR Technologies chief executive John Cooper said, “As the industry goes on this journey, it’s critical to BAR that we overcome any challenges in operability by either innovating inhouse, or partnering with other forward-looking industry specialists with whom we can form close collaboration. We look forward to working closely with Groke in future.”

While the industry explores the adoption of new technologies, BAR said the emphasis remains on building more autonomous systems without compromising traditional crew roles with technology like Groke Pro that help optimise WindWings to enhance operational efficiency and seafarer safety.

In the last three months, BAR Technology has found partners to manage and oversee production of WindWings in the EU and China