Feature 1 | TUGS


autonomous’ vessels, owners need to remain as focused on risk as ever before. For instance, describing one plausible


method of reducing claims, Harris opines: “Navigation assistance systems that utilise the technology of autonomous vessels may be used as an advanced form of navigational aid for watch keepers, whereby the


immediate environment can be


analysed and a series of possible scenarios or navigation solutions formulated and presented to the seafarer responsible for maintaining the navigational watch.” Similarly, it is crucial to address


issues related to cybersecurity, to be vigilant against hacker attempts and to prevent crew members from accidentally uploading malware to the vessel’s computer system (most commonly caused


when a seafarer attempts to upload photos and media from a USB stick). Harris added: “Worryingly, this could


be taken further by manipulating an autonomous vessel’s pre-programmed software, allowing hackers to cause collisions with nobody on board to manually override.” Even a relatively small tug, if illegally ‘seized’ in this manner, could do significant damage to a port infrastructure and other vessels – potentially causing injuries and fatalities, and/or temporarily knocking some ports out of action, causing massive delays and disruption to trade.


You mould the rules Developing some sort of standardisation for autonomous vessels will be critical in enabling P&I insurers to identify and assess


Gearing up for the Intellitug


A proposed ‘smart tug’ concept aims to investigate whether autonomous navigation can enhance safety and efficiency within the Port of Singapore


T


he busy Port of Singapore will prove the testing ground for Wärtsilä’s proposed Intellitug


project, which aims to fit an autonomous navigation system aboard a local harbour tug, to assess whether this technology can help reduce operator workloads and increase safe operations. Working alongside Wärtsilä


are


the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and local marine services provider and tug operator PSA Marine, with the goal being to


tailor the Intellitug to the port’s specific requirements. Explaining the decision to cooperate with Wärtsilä, Peter Chew, PSA Marine managing director, comments: “We are always scouting for innovative ideas to enhance our tug masters’ situational awareness.” For example, Wärtsilä executive vice


president Marco Ryan adds, an autonomous navigation system, complete with near-field wideband radar, real-time video and dynamic route-planning capabilities, could enable the tug to “dynamically maintain safe distances


during navigation, preventing potential collisions”, thereby freeing up her crew to primarily concentrate on “critical operations”.


2019 target Such a system could “also give [crew] additional decision-making support and the ability to work with their colleagues ashore via real-time data connection”, Ryan explains. He also says that he expects the planned system to “augment


the


human’s role within the loop”. The partners expect to trial the


system aboard an existing tug in 2019. Wärtsilä recently announced the formal opening of its Acceleration Centre in Singapore, a facility intended to promote innovation and collaboration within that country’s marine sector. Launched in cooperation with the MPA, the Acceleration Centre will also focus on areas such as smart port operations and cyber-security. SBI


The Intellitug concept is being spefially talored to operatons n the Port of Singapore


28 Ship & Boat International November/December 2018


the related risks in a more detailed and prescriptive manner, Harris concluded. However, the marine sector should


resist the temptation to sit back and let others take the lead. Ending on an upbeat note, he argued: “Automation presents a unique opportunity for owners to mould the new regulatory and liability regimes to suit their operations…and presents small vessel owners with the chance to future-proof their businesses at a time when the rest of the market is struggling with overcapacity and slow economic growth.” It’s a piece of advice that could also apply to architects and builders: at present, all involved parties should be able to have a fair say in shaping the development of workable and safe autonomous vessel solutions. SBI


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