Tug owners pushing autonomous and remote vessel tech envelope

Artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced computers are enabling greater levels of automation and remote operations, introducing more applications to mitigate risk from tugboat operations.

Kongsberg Maritime has developed digital technology to make towing and manoeuvring large offshore and marine construction structures more efficient by co-ordinating tugs and vessels in projects of greater complexity.

The Norwegian group has introduced Tow Assist, which uses dynamic positioning (DP) technology and operational analysis to improve situational awareness, safety and efficiency throughout all stages of the towing operation.

This builds on the K-Pos DP system, enabling unpowered floating structures to become DP-enabled during complex towing operations by calculating and distributing the optimal allocation of the connected vessels, including deepsea and harbour tugs.

Kongsberg primarily developed this technology to be used to tow huge floating wind turbines to remote offshore fields, but it can also be deployed on other large offshore and marine structures. It successfully trialled Tow Assist in the North Sea in 2024. This system provides real-time situational awareness through graphical guidance for precise and efficient towage and positioning.

Information is displayed on the lead towing vessel that can automatically command other tugs involved in towing, manoeuvring and positioning the floating offshore structure. This enables automated tows and provides insights to towage masters and vessel captains who could remain in control of the operation.

Remote control

Chilean owner Ultratug is using technology to remotely operate a 32-m tugboat in Chile. MAHI’s Remote Operation solution is being used on 2010-built tug, Enco, to reduce manning in the wheelhouse during long coastal voyages to service remote ports. 

Experts can remotely navigate Enco from a newly established operations centre (ROC) in Ultratug headquarters in Vina Del Mar, Chile, says Ultratug sales manager Felipe Meza Sigala.

“Commissioned in Q3 2024, the remote operation system was officially put into operation on 17 September 2024, he tells International Tug & Salvage. “This innovative project reflects Ultratug’s commitment to operational excellence and safety.”

The system includes MAHI Sense onboard computer and MAHI Bridge software to seamlessly integrate with onboard equipment such as main engines, thrusters, radar, automatic identification system (AIS) and VHF radio communications. 

“The introduction of remote operation technology marks a transformative moment for Ultratug’s operations on three fronts, namely operational excellence, safety and sustainability,” says Mr Sigala. It enables the owner to maintain a single bridge complement during long-distance voyages, with the master only required for performing manoeuvres upon arrival, “thus increasing crew effectiveness by 20% and improving working conditions for crew working from the office,” he explains.

“Navigation crews working from the ROC can focus on their core tasks of navigating the vessels, avoiding idle moments and travel to and from the vessel.”

This initiative combines Ultratug’s deep operational expertise with next-generation technology to “significantly enhance the safety of crew and vessels by the automated processing of navigation sensors such as cameras, radar and AIS to detect and flag potential hazards,” says Mr Sigala.

“A third advantage of operating a crew from a centrally located ROC is the increased sustainability of Ultratug’s operations by eliminating the need to fly crew to ports for long-run vessel navigation.” He adds Ultratug is exploring potential opportunities for a broader adoption of remote operation technology across its fleet.

“We are pioneering advancements that optimise our operational performance, improve navigation efficiency and set new safety standards,” says Mr Sigala. This reduces the need to employ an additional pilot for navigation shifts and enables tugboat masters to rest during long voyages, so they remain in full compliance with work and resting hour requirements when the tug arrives at its destination.

“Ultratug has reduced its operational risks, enhanced the sustainability of its work and is at the forefront of efficient and sustainable maritime operations.”