THE IntelliTug project of technology group Wartsila in partnership with PSA Marine has taken a major step forwards as the dynamic positioning (DP) system installed onboard the harbour tug 'PSA Polaris' has commenced trials at the port of Singapore.
This implementation phase of the project moves the bar higher on safety standards for vessel automation and autonomy. The Wartsila and PSA Marine IntelliTug project is supported by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
The new DP system, also known as the Joystick Maneuvering System (JMS), enables easier and more intuitive control of the tug's movement. With the push of a button, the tug master can achieve 'virtual anchoring' to hold position and/or maintain the tug's heading.
The DP system forms the foundational technology layer for the IntelliTug project, enabling digital navigation instructions to be passed to the vessel's propulsion systems. The system has received a statement of compliance from Lloyd's Register for the DP notation, thereby endorsing its safety, reliability and performance.
The IntelliTug project is bringing to life a smart tug that can enhance the capabilities of the tug master by autonomously performing a range of routine missions. This will ease the task of addressing the complex demands faced by tug masters on a daily basis.
'The IntelliTug project is about discovering smarter, safer and more efficient ways of operating a harbour tug. It incorporates human-centric technology, design thinking and man-machine collaboration,' said PSA Marine's head of fleet management Bernard Wong.
'Safety and productivity are key areas being improved with our autonomous vessel technology. As we develop and learn from these technologies, the values we are able to provide to our customers will grow exponentially, providing a very clear path for businesses needing to compete in the new intelligent maritime industry,' added Wartsila's sales director Paul Kendall.
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This implementation phase of the project moves the bar higher on safety standards for vessel automation and autonomy. The Wartsila and PSA Marine IntelliTug project is supported by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
The new DP system, also known as the Joystick Maneuvering System (JMS), enables easier and more intuitive control of the tug's movement. With the push of a button, the tug master can achieve 'virtual anchoring' to hold position and/or maintain the tug's heading.
The DP system forms the foundational technology layer for the IntelliTug project, enabling digital navigation instructions to be passed to the vessel's propulsion systems. The system has received a statement of compliance from Lloyd's Register for the DP notation, thereby endorsing its safety, reliability and performance.
The IntelliTug project is bringing to life a smart tug that can enhance the capabilities of the tug master by autonomously performing a range of routine missions. This will ease the task of addressing the complex demands faced by tug masters on a daily basis.
'The IntelliTug project is about discovering smarter, safer and more efficient ways of operating a harbour tug. It incorporates human-centric technology, design thinking and man-machine collaboration,' said PSA Marine's head of fleet management Bernard Wong.
'Safety and productivity are key areas being improved with our autonomous vessel technology. As we develop and learn from these technologies, the values we are able to provide to our customers will grow exponentially, providing a very clear path for businesses needing to compete in the new intelligent maritime industry,' added Wartsila's sales director Paul Kendall.
WORLD SHIPPING