Following Wärtsilä’s partnership with PSA Marine on developing the project of IntelliTug, both partners achieved a milestone after conducting the first trials at the Port of Singapore under real-world condition.
The newly-launched Dynamic Positioning (DP) system, also called “the Joystick Maneuvering System (JMS)” provides an easier use of the tug; The master can press a button and acquire anchoring digitalization. With Lloyd Register’s approval for the implementation phase, the standards in the safety and vessel’s autonomy have been set much higher.
An additional advantage of the DP system is that it boosts the IntelliTug project, by enabling digital navigation instructions to proceed into the vessel’s propulsion system.
The IntelliTug project is about discovering smarter, safer, and more efficient ways of operating a harbour tug. It incorporates human-centric technology, design thinking, and man–machine collaboration. We are on a journey of turning today’s ideas into tomorrow’s reality.
…noted the Head of Fleet Management at PSA Marine, Bernard Wong.
For the records, PSA Marine plays a vital role in shipping industry, as a leader in providing marine services with flagship operations in Singapore. To meet the expectations of this growing port, Wärtsilä and PSA Marine focus on testing intelligent vessel capabilities to ensure sustainability and autonomy in tug’s operations.
The IntelliTug is now developing a smart tug which increases the tug master’s autonomy, by automatically performing a variety of routine missions.
Safety and productivity are key areas being improved with our autonomous vessel technology. As we develop and learn from these technologies, the values we are able to provide to our customers will grow exponentially, providing a very clear path for businesses needing to compete in the new intelligent maritime industry.
…continued Paul Kendall, Wärtsilä’s Director of Sales and Dynamic Positioning.
Concluding, in the following months, Wärtsilä and PSA Marine will keep developing the IntelliTug project, by testing and trialing in Singapore port waters.