Autonomous sailing is coming soon. It will be more efficient, sustainable and safer, and will help alleviate crew shortages. Alewijnse is part of the Fieldlab Autonomous Sailing Technology (F.A.S.T.) project. This initiative, with the Damen Stan Patrol 900 patrol boat at its core, lays the foundation for ground-breaking developments in autonomous ship technology.
The maritime industry is preparing for a crucial point in its history: the arrival of unmanned, autonomous ships. Entire ecosystems are emerging, bringing together governments, research institutions and companies to develop and implement the new technology. At the same time, the classification societies and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) are working on updating regulations to enable autonomous sailing worldwide.
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A launchpad for large-scale autonomous shipping
In the F.A.S.T. project, Alewijnse is contributing its expertise as an electrical system integrator to a collaboration with Damen Naval, the Province of Zeeland, the Municipality of Vlissingen, the HZ University of Applied Sciences, TU Delft, and other companies. Together they will lay the groundwork for autonomous sailing using a remotely operated vessel at the testbed in the Port of Vlissingen.
This project is just the beginning, with more ambitious programmes designed to apply the technology to much larger ships to follow.
Sensors replace the eyes and ears of the helmsman
The main test bed, the Damen Stan Patrol 900, is a 1990-built polycat measuring 8.6 metres in length, with an impressive top speed of 40 km/h. The test vessel is currently undergoing a transformation, with its two diesel engines being replaced with slightly more powerful electric motors.
The boat will also be equipped with cameras, sensors, radar, Lidar, GPS, and wind and speed measurement instruments. These sensors will replace the traditional eyes and ears of a helmsman.
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Testing, learning and innovating
‘It’s best to use an existing vessel as a test model,’ says Eef Uittenbogaard, project manager at Alewijnse. ‘It’s just like it was with the first remotely controlled cars, which were often developed using existing vehicles. You can experiment with this prototype ship and discover which applications for autonomous sailing work best in practice.’
‘As a co-creator, Alewijnse is excited to contribute to the electrical scope of the project,’ continues Uittenbogaard. ‘With our 135 years of expertise and experience, we can collaborate with Damen and provide the complete package, from engineering and panel construction to the efficient placement of electrical components for propulsion and energy supply.’
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Rapid developments
What makes this F.A.S.T. project so special? ‘It’s the combination of innovation, close collaboration with the client, and the speed at which we adapt,’ concludes Uittenbogaard. ‘This is truly a “fast” project. As a company, we are contributing to progressive, rapid developments that will benefit not only the maritime industry but also the world.’
Picture: Damen Stan Patrol 900 used for F.A.S.T. project (photo by Alewijnse).
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