Norwegian shipowner Grieg Star and G2 Ocean its joint venture subsidiary with Gerabulk have announced they have joined forces with other partners to research the feasibility of safe autonomous deep-sea ships.

Autonomous ships have been a much-discussed idea for years. Developers have made several tests, but the technology is still young. Together with 20 other partners, Grieg Star and G2 Ocean have supported the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in setting up a research centre dedicated to safe autonomous ships. On 12 June, The Research Council of Norway awarded more than NOK 20mn to the project.

The goal of SFI Autoship is to ensure that Norwegian players take a leading and leading role in this development, especially concerning technology, business models and security. To achieve this, the centre brings together over 20 partners from the Norwegian maritime cluster, including end-users, product and service providers, research institutes, universities and authorities. The centre’s funding is over 200 million Norwegian kroner over eight years.

SFI Autoship will develop new knowledge, methods, tools, prototypes, technology and candidates for the Norwegian maritime industry. Its goal is to be a world-leading centre for research and innovation on autonomous ships, with a particular focus on safe and secure solutions.

Grieg Star will, together with G2 Ocean, contribute on two defined studies providing ship development and management expertise.

• Deep-sea bulk cargo transport
  • Automated navigation (ocean crossing)​
• Improved and automated cargo-handling/crane operations​
• Automated engine control room

• Short sea and coastal cargo transport ​​
  • Unmanned vessel design and operations, including auto-docking and auto-mooring​
• Improved logistics, including port and hinterland​
• Onshore control centre and communication ship-shore​

 

Source: shipinsight