Page 134: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (November 2015)

Tech Alerts new collaboration between Plymouth Uni- versity and MSubs, has set a course to build the ? rst fully autonomous state-of-the-art

A ocean research vessel that will demonstrate Project the possibilities of autonomy within the shipping in- dustry. The potential of autonomous vehicle technol- ogy to address the challenges of working in conditions that are dangerous or inaccessible has been recognized in recent years. The concept of autonomy has already reached many areas within the maritime sector, such as oil and gas, and particularly the military. While the ter- restrial sector pushes on with drone technology, where MARS major companies such as Amazon are investigating the potential of using drones for home deliveries, the ship- ping industry has yet to embrace it. The Future of Autonomy in Shipping “Some might see the lack of interest as conservatism on their part, and engrained adherence to having ‘eyes on’ the bridge at all times,” said Brett Phaneuf, Manag- ing Director of MSubs. “But human error accounts for the majority of accidents at sea, so there needs to be a reassessment and a debate around this issue – autono- mous technology should not be seen as some form of inherent threat to the safety of seafarers.”

Plymouth University and Plymouth-based partner

MSubs are now aspiring to build the ? rst full-sized au- tonomous unmanned ship to sail across the Atlantic in

Image: Shuttleworth Design 2020 – replicating the ‘Plymouth to Plymouth’ May- ? ower route. Designed and developed in collaboration with award-winning partners, the May? ower Autono- mous Research vessel (MARS) has the potential to transform and in? uence the future of world shipping, and inspire a new generation of ocean explorers and researchers.

“The idea arose organically from discussions taking place between some of our academics and Brett Pha- neuf of MSubs,” said Professor Kevin Jones, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Plymouth

University. “Plymouth University has a number of aca- demics who conduct research into the capability and usage of underwater autonomous vehicles (UAVs), and we have a great working relationship with MSubs, a company that has a great track record of winning in- ternational contracts, particularly in defense. At that point, the conversation was a conceptual one around technology and its adoption in the industry.”

The concept was pushed forward by the May? ower 400 anniversary in 2020, which the city of Plymouth will be celebrating with a huge range of events and ini- tiatives.

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Patterson Roller Buttons numerous scienti? c experiments during the course of its voyage. MARS will also be used as a test bed for new navigation software and alternative forms of pow- er, incorporating huge advancements in solar, wave

Our Roller Buttons unique design features a substantial base that Patterson’s patent pending Self-Aligning Roller Chocks simply won’t yield under pressure. Tested extensively, they’ve been are engineered with a specialized guard to keep rope in and sail technology. proven to 50 tons. Broken roller buttons lead to downtime, hotwork, line. Our swivel-mounted base ensures your load is “One of the key aims has always been to ensure the decreased productivity – and lower profits. There’s no reason to always on the centerline, and the spring-loaded vertical risk using anything but ours. swivel allows the rope to align at lower

May? ower Autonomous Research vessel is powered line tensions.

from renewable sources, and that will include solar power and wind power,” said Phaneuf. |

Committed to working with renewable energy sourc- 800.322.2018 www.pattersonmfg.com es, the design of the vessel will be developed with 134 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • NOVEMBER 2015

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