The maritime industry is witnessing a seismic shift as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced computers propel automation and remote operations to new heights. Kongsberg Maritime, a Norwegian powerhouse, has thrown its hat into the ring with Tow Assist, a digital technology designed to revolutionise towing and manoeuvring large offshore and marine construction structures. This isn’t just about making things a bit easier; it’s about tackling the complexities of modern maritime projects head-on.
Tow Assist leverages dynamic positioning (DP) technology and operational analysis to boost situational awareness, safety, and efficiency throughout towing operations. Imagine a system that can make unpowered floating structures DP-enabled during complex tows, calculating and distributing the optimal allocation of connected vessels, including deepsea and harbour tugs. This isn’t science fiction; it’s Kongsberg’s reality. The technology, initially developed for towing massive floating wind turbines to remote offshore fields, has already proven its mettle in the North Sea.
The system provides real-time situational awareness through graphical guidance, ensuring precise and efficient towage and positioning. The lead towing vessel can automatically command other tugs, giving towage masters and vessel captains the reins while ensuring they remain in control. This isn’t just about automation; it’s about empowering human operators with the right tools to make informed decisions.
Meanwhile, Chilean owner Ultratug is making waves with its own innovative approach. They’ve deployed MAHI’s Remote Operation solution on a 32-m tugboat, Enco, to reduce manning in the wheelhouse during long coastal voyages. This isn’t just about cutting costs; it’s about enhancing operational excellence, safety, and sustainability. Felipe Meza Sigala, Ultratug sales manager, highlights the transformative impact: “The introduction of remote operation technology marks a transformative moment for Ultratug’s operations on three fronts, namely operational excellence, safety and sustainability.”
The system, commissioned in Q3 2024 and operational since September 17, 2024, integrates seamlessly with onboard equipment, enabling experts to remotely navigate Enco from a newly established operations centre (ROC) in Vina Del Mar, Chile. This isn’t just about reducing manning; it’s about increasing crew effectiveness by 20% and improving working conditions for crew working from the office. Navigation crews can focus on core tasks, avoiding idle moments and travel to and from the vessel.
Ultratug’s initiative combines deep operational expertise with next-generation technology to enhance safety by automating the processing of navigation sensors. This isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about setting new safety standards. By eliminating the need to fly crew to ports for long-run vessel navigation, Ultratug is also boosting sustainability.
This isn’t just about one tugboat or one company; it’s about a broader adoption of remote operation technology across the fleet. Ultratug is pioneering advancements that optimise operational performance, improve navigation efficiency, and set new safety standards. This isn’t just about the present; it’s about shaping the future of maritime operations.
The implications are vast. As these technologies become more prevalent, we can expect to see a significant reduction in operational risks, enhanced sustainability, and a new era of efficient and sustainable maritime operations. This isn’t just about keeping up with the times; it’s about leading the charge into a new era of maritime innovation. The future of tugboat operations is here, and it’s looking smarter, safer, and more sustainable than ever before.
