{mprestriction ids="1,2"}This installation be the first time that computer vision, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and perception software will be utilised in combination aboard a container vessel to augment and upgrade transit operations, the companies said.

The system chosen by Maersk uses artificial intelligence (AI) to improve at-sea situational awareness, object identification and tracking capabilities. Similar to Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) commonly used in cars to alert drivers about roadway hazards, Sea Machines’ technology uses sensors to collect a continuous stream of information from a vessel’s environmental surroundings, identify and track potential conflicts, and display the information gathered on the bridge.

Maersk’s goal in deploying the system is to demonstrate how the technology can aid its seafarers, removing line of sight restrictions from the bridge, and provide an infrastructure for a future autonomous collision avoidance system.

“Our team first met Sea Machines around three years ago when they were developing the concepts of their first autonomous systems, and already we were impressed with their technical capability, planned product path, and practical understanding of the future needs of the marine market,” said P. Michael A. Rodey, senior innovation manager, A.P. Moller-Maersk.

“For this containership situational awareness programme, we aim to prove the technology increases our safety, efficiency, and reliability. Autonomous vessels are not an end goal for Maersk, nor is unmanned vessels – what is more of interest is the technology along the journey and the value it brings.”{/mprestriction}