IMCA (International Marine Contractors Association) hosted a fascinating panel discussion at Seawork on Marine Autonomous Surface Systems (MASS), which has the potential to transform work at sea as regulatory barriers are removed.
Panellists Gary Sanders, Marine Advisor, Ocean Infinity, Dmytro Makarchuk, Master Mariner, Senior Lecturer in Bridge Simulation and Ship Handling, Warsash Maritime School and Richard Purser, Technical Advisor Marine IMCA, explored the different use cases for MASS that will emerge, among energy companies and other end users. They also explored the skills and training needed to enable these technologies to drive improvements in safety, efficiency, and sustainability in marine operations.
Gary Sanders talked in depth about the extensive build programme of Ocean Infinity’s Armada fleet, which he discussed is driving a revolution within the industry.
The fleet consists of over 30 vessels in six different classes, ranging from 8m to 86m in length. These vessels are designed to reduce offshore exposure and emissions by utilising robotic technologies and remote operation. The Armada Fleet is delivering the next step in offshore safety and is making a significant move towards sustainable operations at sea.
Sanders explained there is a structured roadmap towards IMO Level 4 automation.
Dmytro Makarchuk from Warsash Maritime School then took to the floor to talk about Solent University's Ignite Project which is leveraging advanced maritime training with a remotely operated vessel and digital twin technology, to create a unique, safe training environment for navigation scenarios including ship berthing. The university is the only one globally with manned models linked to simulation systems.
He explained how autonomous ships will aim to enhance safety by mitigating 80% of maritime accidents caused by human error, alongside promoting environmental sustainability and improving commercial efficiency.
Core competencies now include human AI interaction and remote vessel operations, facilitated by AR/VR technologies in multi-domain simulators.
Dmytro included in his presentation news of the Seaguard Project, which started in October 2024 with a €5 million budget. This involves 14 partners across eight countries coming together to improve maritime cross-border security using autonomous ships and AI for threat detection.
Whilst the opportunities this automation will help to create appear almost limitless, the final speaker Richard Purser drew the audience’s attention to the current inspection frameworks, which reveal classification inconsistencies, highlighting the need for universal standards.
New IMCA document developments (270 and 271) target USV and vault inspections, aiming for standardised assurance in operations for vessels between 5-24 meters. These will be developed by the MASS Committee in consultation with global stakeholders and experts to ensure compliance and reliability in the rapidly growing sector for digital inspections recorded in a centralised database.
Enhanced training for both traditional and new seafarers is essential to adapt to evolving maritime technologies and operational requirements.
Exhibitor; IMCA
