Wärtsilä ANCS, a division of the technology group Wärtsilä, has achieved a significant milestone in maritime technology by delivering its cutting-edge autonomous SmartDock capabilities to Seaspan, a leading marine transportation and shipbuilding company.
This advancement represents a major step towards enhancing safety and efficiency in autonomous docking and undocking operations, says an article published on wartsila website.
SmartDock System Features
The SmartDock system developed by Wärtsilä ANCS equips Seaspan to perform autonomous docking manoeuvres, even in challenging conditions with currents of up to two knots.
This advanced technology ensures consistent, safe, and predictable docking and undocking procedures, reducing the need for intensive captain intervention.
Scope Of Work
Wärtsilä ANCS’s comprehensive scope of work, initiated in 2021, encompasses the delivery of the autonomous SmartDock system. The system includes track development for autodocking at Tilbury, Duke Point, and Swartz Bay ports in Canada.
Utilizing an advanced UKF (Unscented Kalman Filter) estimator, the system integrates sensor measurements from GNSS and Wärtsilä ANCS’s laser sensor Cyscan AS to calculate precise position and rate estimates of the vessel’s motion.
Commissioning And Deployment
The Seaspan Trader cargo vessel has successfully completed its commissioning, and the Seaspan Transporter cargo vessel is scheduled for commissioning in late 2023/early 2024. These vessels, equipped with the SmartDock system, will operate in the waters of British Columbia, Canada.
Wärtsilä ANCS And Seaspan Collaboration
Klaus Egeberg, Director of Dynamic Positioning at Wärtsilä ANCS, expressed excitement about the ongoing collaboration with Seaspan. He foresees the potential expansion of the SmartDock product across additional vessels in Seaspan’s ferry fleet, further advancing the automation and efficiency of maritime operations.
Seaspan’s Commitment To Innovation
Alex Treharne, Integration Engineer at Seaspan, highlighted the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation in maritime operations. The integration of Wärtsilä ANCS’s SmartDock system into Seaspan Trader exemplifies their dedication to leading technological advancements in vessel manoeuvring.
In conclusion, the successful implementation of the SmartDock autodocking system signifies a transformative moment in the maritime industry, paving the way for safer and more efficient autonomous operations.
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Source:wartsila
