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L3), who we felt was fairly well ahead discussions on vessel autonomy. Last President, Engineering, agrees. “There One ? rm has been putting autonomous of others in terms of the maturity and year, the IMO agreed to assess how ex- are capital cost savings from dispensing solutions on the water for many years. overall market-readiness of their tech- isting international conventions would with the deckhouse, wheelhouse, domes- ASV Global’s chance said in August, nology, happens to be located right in address advances in autonomy. tic systems or lifesaving equipment, but “We have delivered more than 100 new our backyard (Broussard, LA). Their ASV Global CEO Thomas Chance these are offset by a premium for elec- build USVs; about 10x that of our near- engineers and our engineers were a natu- shrugs off potential regulatory pitfalls, tronics, communications, sensing and est competitor in the diesel-powered ral ? t for each other, and our proximity saying, “The regulators are being careful operator console equipment to operate category. We have also converted 15 has allowed for a very collaborative ap- to provide a balance of guidance without remotely. In the end, the cost difference manned vessels to optionally unmanned proach.” killing the industry. ASV Global oper- will not be prohibitive since the capital and integrated more than different 40 ates in a very transparent manner which cost of the vessel remains driven mainly payload types.”

Design & Regulate likely helps our situation. Finally, all of by hull structure and major equipment/ Even with that success, ASV isn’t sit-

Not so fast. The devil is always in the our clients have been very rational about machinery.” ting on its hands. Their recent collabora- details. For example, classi? cation soci- where and when they operate.” Metal Shark’s Stickles takes a similar tion with Metal Shark is a perfect exam- ety ClassNK recently released its Guide- But, naval architects and designers tack. “Take a look at the 38-ft. De? ant ple. Chance explained, “Metal Shark is a lines for Concept Design of Automated have many things to consider. If ‘Dull, Sharktech autonomous vessel, for ex- leader in the small to mid-sized security

Operation/Autonomous Operation of Dirty and Dangerous’ is the catch-phrase ample. As con? gured, it’s got expensive vessel industry, headquartered just 30 ships. ClassNK isn’t the only IACS that describes the best reasons to employ Pillarless Glass, expensive shock-miti- minutes down the road from ASV Glob- member to address the advent of autono- autonomous technology, there are also gating seats, special ? ooring for sound al’s US headquarters. The combination mous vessels. Outgoing IACS Chair- other reasons to explore this emerging, deadening and vibration mitigation, of ASV Global’s autonomous control man & DNV GL Maritime CEO Knut disruptive product. One main driver is climate control, an enclosed head, full technology and Metal Shark’s line of pa-

Ørbeck-Nilssen believes that IACS rules lower capital and OpEx. An unmanned galley, and the list goes on. We could trol craft make for a powerful solution.” must “… allow for such new technolo- vessel does not need staterooms, heads, offset a signi? cant portion of the cost of To date, 60 percent of ASV Global’s gies to be used, in the interest of safety galleys, a wheelhouse, and other spaces technology today by eliminating crew unmanned sales are defense-oriented, and in the interest of the working envi- found on conventional vessels. That ves- amenities. A true unmanned vessel can with the balance in the commercial ronment for those people.” sel is much simpler, less expensive to be ‘leaner and meaner.’ So, ef? ciency is arena. Already deeply immersed in Eu-

As these rules evolve, ? ag states and build and maintain. With fewer (or no) a key consideration.” rope’s most advanced mine countermea- registries will also have input. Tellingly, crew, daily costs also shrink. sure program, Chance also admits, “It is the U.S. Coast Guard led a delegation There are trade-offs. The end-user Already on the Water a bit of a challenge to predict where the to the 99th session of the International might pay a premium for the control It sounds like a science ? ction novel. next big thing will likely hit as there are

Maritime Organization’s Maritime Safe- system, but also achieve savings in oth- Nevertheless, scores of these hulls are many areas, both military and commer- ty Committee. This meeting advanced er areas. Vince den Hertog, RAL Vice already in service, ? lling myriad roles. cial, that are poised to capitalize on our

ASV Global CEO Thomas Chance said “The regulators are being careful to provide a balance of guidance without killing the industry. ASV Global operates in a very transparent manner which likely helps our situation.”

Image: L3 ASV 36 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • NOVEMBER 2018

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