Autonomous Navigation, redefined
Engineered to manage the vessel’s internal and external factors, the Autonomous Navigation System integrates and processes data from various onboard sensors and systems, enabling the vessel to interact with its environment and undertake actions to optimize operational performance, safety and capabilities.
Core system components
The Autonomous Navigation System comprises three core components that work seamlessly to enable advanced autonomous navigation:
Vehicle Control System (VCS) / Remote Control Center (ROC)
This is the primary interface for monitoring and controlling the vessel remotely. It's designed to provide comprehensive information for safe operation, ensuring constant communication between the vessel and operators.
SeaControl
The onboard control system of the vessel, SeaControl, manages all operational aspects, from navigation to system diagnostics. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the vessel's operations are executed with precision and efficiency.
SeaSight
Providing 360-degree situational awareness, SeaSight offers an all-encompassing view of the vessel’s surroundings. It's integral for safe navigation, allowing for real-time assessment of environmental conditions and potential hazards.
Flexible action plan execution
The Autonomous Navigation System enables two modes of action plan execution:
Operator-Guided: The system proposes a plan to the operator, who can then approve or modify it before implementation.
Fully Autonomous: The system autonomously decides and alters the navigation without human intervention, showcasing true autonomous capabilities.
Sensor integration and versatility
This system can be integrated with a wide array of sensors for navigation, data collection, and remote operation of the vessel. These sensors can also be used in conjunction with other robots, offering a versatile approach based on the various operational needs.
Autonomy ladder: A spectrum of operational assistance
We recognize that autonomy is not an end-state but a spectrum, represented as a ladder with each step indicating an increased level of operational assistance for humans:
Smart Ships: Equipped with sensors and data collection devices for enhanced situational awareness.
Assisted Autonomous Systems: These systems can operate unmanned at times, assessing sensor data and presenting comprehensive environmental insights.
Semi-Autonomous Systems: Capable of operating unmanned periodically, these systems decide the optimal course of action and can execute or provide alternatives to the operator.
Fully Autonomous Systems: These systems operate independently, gathering, analyzing, and making decisions based on data, executing operations without human input.
We work closely with our customers and partners to establish the required level of autonomy based on their business model and operational needs. The Autonomous Navigation System offers enhanced level of autonomy, tailored to the specific needs, enabling optimized operational performance and capabilities for safer, more sustainable and efficient maritime operations.
