Shark partners on autonomous vessel

JEANERETTE, La. - Alabama-Louisiana shipbuilder Metal Shark and Sea Machines, a Boston-based leading developer of autonomous marine technology, have partnered to introduce a new 29-foot autonomous vessel being offered through Metal Shark’s “Sharktech” autonomous division. The Sharktech Defiant welded aluminum monohull pilothouse vessel features OEM-integrated Sea Machines technology offering a full range of advanced capabilities including active control and collision avoidance. The system allows for both traditionally- reduced-crew, or unmanned operations. Sharktech was formed in 2018 to streamline customers’ paths to autonomy by bridging the gap between the industry’s autonomous software developers and the traditional shipbuilder, according to Metal Shark CEO Chris Allard. Sea Machines is a leader in pioneering autonomous control and advanced perception systems for the maritime industry. Metal Shark is a diversified shipbuilder specializing in the design and construction of welded aluminum and steel vessels from 16- to more than 300-feet, and with three shipbuilding facilities in Mobile, Ala., and Jeanerette and Franklin, La. - and a dedicated engineering facility in Croatia. Metal Shark produces more than 200 vessels annually. (Source: Metal Shark 09/24/19) https://www.metalsharkboats.com/september-24th-2019-metal-shark-and-sea-machines-launch-new-sharktech-autonomous-vessel/