A JAPANESE R&D team from Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding, MOL, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology (TUMST) as well as Akishima Laboratories, are completing tests on automated berthing and unberthing of ships
A JAPANESE R&D team from Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding, MOL, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology (TUMST) as well as Akishima Laboratories, are completing tests on automated berthing and unberthing of ships. The team completed 54 auto berthing operations using a virtual pier set on the open water, and gained useful data in an effort to develop autonomous vessels.
Tests have been running since December 2018 using the TUMST training ship Shioji Maru the focus on the safety of auto berthing and un-berthing, said an Akishima Laboratory press release.
Tests sought to confirm auto berthing control, vessel speed, course, and distance without risk to seafarers. It also sought to establish proper manoeuvring control given a large-size ferry's manoeuvring characteristics.
Tests also sought to determine when and how to stop and start operations when wind and weather s became too difficult or emergencies cropped up.
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