Optimizing Autonomous Ship Maneuvering with Wave Load Control Strategy

A new study introduces an innovative control method designed to optimize the manoeuvring performance of autonomous ships in real sea conditions. Existing ship control systems for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) often overlook the impact of wave loads on ship manoeuvring, leading to less efficient navigation. To address this gap, researchers developed a novel time-optimal control method that considers the real wave loads acting on a ship, enabling effective planning and control of MASS at sea.

With the rise of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), there is a growing need for optimal control models to ensure efficient ship manoeuvring. Designing a control system that accounts for various forces acting on a ship, including wave loads, is crucial for successful autonomous navigation. The newly developed time-optimal control method integrates a mathematical ship model that considers wave loads with a spatial optimization model, resulting in improved manoeuvring performance.

Experiments conducted by the research team demonstrated that including wave loads in the control strategies for autonomous ships increased the expected manoeuvring time. While Strategy B simplified the process but had lower performance, Strategy C, which included wave loads in both planning and tracking stages, proved to be more reliable. The study’s findings have significant implications for enhancing the efficiency and safety of autonomous vessel operations, potentially reducing shipping costs and carbon emissions in the maritime industry.

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