Another Autonomous Vessel About to Take to the Water as Technology Spreads
More Cooperation Between Software and Logistics Companies
US – As autonomous vehicles and systems continue to spread across every transport mode comes the news that two companies, from very different heritages, are again collaborating to lift the process of escorting and positioning the largest container ships and tankers into a new era of technological control.
Foss Maritime, founded in 1889, a maritime transportation and logistics provider based in Seattle has selected the SM300 autonomous command and control system from Boston based Sea Machines, a developer of such technology and established only since 2015, for use aboard its tugboat
Foss to take delivery of new autonomous tug May 7, 2021, by Fatima Bahtić
A Seattle-based tug and towing company Foss Maritime has joined forces with autonomous vessel software and systems provider Sea Machine Robotics to integrate autonomous systems on a tugboat set to deliver this month.
The tugboat, named Rachael Allen, is the fourth of several new ASD-90 tugs under construction at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, in Freeland, Wash.
According to Foss, the 90-ton bollard pull tug will be the first U.S.-Flag harbor tug to integrate autonomous systems in real-world commercial operations. The project also marks Sea Machines’ first installation of an autonomy system on a vessel over 5,000 hp.
Foss to Operate Autonomous Harbor Tug
Maritime Activity Reports, Inc.
Foss Leisa Florence ASD-90 tugboat, sister vessel to Rachael Allen (Photo: Foss Maritime)
Foss Maritime’s newest vessel will be the first U.S.-flag harbor tug to integrate autonomous systems in real-world commercial operations.
Launched on April 29 and scheduled for delivery in May 2021, the newly built 90-ton bollard pull Rachael Allen the fourth in a series of ASD-90 Z-drive tractor tugs being built at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, in Freeland, Wash. will feature Sea Machines Robotics’ SM300 autonomous-command and -control system. The system s capabilities include transit autonomy, as well as remote access of the tugboat’s onboard machinery, a feature that allows personnel to manage and support operations from anywhere on board the vessel or from shore. Navigation obstacle detection and avoidance capabilities also come standard.
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A new harbor tug for Seattle-based Foss Maritime is set become the first vessel of its kind in the United States to use autonomous systems in real-world commercial operations.
Foss Maritime has selected Sea Machines Robotics’ SM300 autonomous-command and -control system for use aboard its tugboat Rachael Allen, the fourth of several new ASD-90 tugs currently under construction at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, in Freeland, Washington. With delivery scheduled for May, the newly built 90-ton bollard pull tug will deploy to Foss Maritime in California, where it will provide tanker escort and ship assists.
While the Rachael Allen will be delivered with the SM300 system and all hardware fully integrated, the capability of the technology will be activated in stepped phases over the course of six to nine months in order to ensure full visibility and acceptance from all operational stakeholders, according to Sea Machines. Capabilities of the SM300 system include tran