AV tech may lead to uncharted waters

Still-developing technology and markets for autonomous vessels (AV) may take this young sector into uncharted waters, according to a pair of leading-edge providers told attendees Nov. 28 at the International Work Boat Show in New Orleans. Mating solar energy panels and electric drives to autonomous patrol boats raises the prospect of small picket vessels, which are designed to provide advanced warning for larger ships; and are equipped with powerful sensors, said Chris Allard, CEO of Alabama-Louisiana based Metal Shark shipyards. Metal Shark introduced its first Defender-class patrol vessel equipped with ASV Global technology. Autonomous functions will complement navigation bridge crews that extend their eyes and ears with sensors, said Michael Johnson, founder/CEO of Sea Machines of Boston. Sea Machines is working with Maersk on trialing autonomous technology in that role on a crewed containership in the Baltic. Allard and Johnson both say the technology can apply as a smart autopilot, alerting human operators to changing vessel conditions and external factors. (Source: Work Boat 11/28/18)