Traditional maritime security has relied on crewed patrols and fixed surveillance systems. With increasing threats and complex operations, there’s a critical need for innovation. Remote and autonomous technologies are emerging to enhance situational awareness, enabling better monitoring and incident response, making them essential for effective maritime asset protection.
Saronic Co-Founder and CEO Dino Mavrookas highlighted the company’s mission to develop commercially viable autonomous vessels, with future adaptability for defense. Partnering with Hornbeck Offshore Services, the collaboration aims to enhance offshore operations and energy services, focusing on safety, efficiency, and advanced technologies for improved service delivery and operational excellence.
A consortium led by ACUA Ocean has received government support for a 145-foot uncrewed offshore vessel, enhancing autonomous operations in energy and logistics. With hybrid-electric propulsion, it plans to explore sustainable fuels like methanol and hydrogen. The project aims for efficient offshore solutions, bolstering inspection and logistics capabilities.
Saronic Technologies is enhancing its partnership with Nvidia to advance maritime autonomy and robotics. By integrating Nvidia’s AI and computing resources, Saronic aims to improve decision-making for autonomous vessels. This collaboration accelerates development cycles, allowing rapid iterations and supporting initiatives to revitalize US shipbuilding and maritime capacity.
Quaze Technologies has partnered with Vatn Systems to revolutionize underwater robotics by introducing fully autonomous, remote wireless charging for underwater vehicles (AUVs). This collaboration enhances AUV operational capabilities for the U.S. military, addressing traditional recharging challenges. Integrated wireless charging will boost endurance while reducing maintenance and operator risk in maritime operations.
ABS has awarded classification to the Saildrone Surveyor, a 20-meter fully autonomous unmanned surface vehicle (USV) designed for deepwater operations. This certification underscores ABS’s commitment to innovation and safety, signaling to the maritime industry that Saildrone’s USVs are safe, tested, and ready for large-scale deployment.
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has teamed up with Saronic Technologies to advance autonomous maritime technologies. Their memorandum of understanding focuses on enhancing technical requirements for autonomous surface vessels (ASVs). ABS aims to redefine operational standards, promoting safety and efficiency in the maritime sector through innovative solutions.
EIVA and Tuco Marine have partnered to develop integrated autonomous systems for inspecting subsea assets, focusing on renewable energy cables. Utilizing Tuco’s ProZero 8m USV and EIVA’s ViperFish ROTV, they aim to enhance subsea monitoring, delivering high-resolution data for improved asset management and safety in challenging underwater environments.
Korea’s H-Line and Avikus have made a significant leap in autonomous shipping technology by signing an order to install autonomous systems on ocean-going ships. This milestone aims to enhance vessel safety, reduce crew workload, and meet environmental regulations. The partnership plans to equip up to 30 ships with this cutting-edge technology in the future.
Efforts to advance ship automation for fully independent operation are progressing, with HD Hyundai achieving a milestone by demonstrating autonomous operation and remote control integration on an 8,000 TEU containership. Certification from both the Korean Registry of Shipping and the Liberia State Flag Bureau marks progress towards commercializing third-stage automation.
An autonomous surface vessel by Sagar Defence Engineering completed a 1,500-km journey from Mumbai to Thoothukudi without human intervention, backed by the Indian Navy. Named ‘Sagarmala Parikrama’, this milestone showcases India’s progress in autonomous maritime technology. This initiative highlights India’s commitment to developing cutting-edge unmanned systems for national security, supported by the Navy’s various wings.
South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is leading a demonstration of autonomous operations on a large containership as part of a government-sponsored program. Equipped with specially designed systems, the vessel is showcasing autonomous collision avoidance and remote control capabilities. The initiative aims to advance technology development and establish international standards for autonomous shipping.
The Indian Navy showcased cutting-edge innovation with the launch of Sagarmala Parikrama, featuring autonomous maritime technology by Indian startups. Matangi, an autonomous vessel by Sagar Defence Engineering, was inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. It aims to traverse 850 nautical miles autonomously, highlighting India’s advancements in technology and innovation.
South Korea launched a new containership for Level 3 autonomous shipping, aiming to lead in the development of autonomous vessels. The vessel, named Pos Singapore, is 564 feet long with a capacity of 1,800 TEU. The government has invested over $120 million in research and development for this technology, with plans for international demonstrations later this year.
