Wärtsilä ANCS, a subsidiary of Wärtsilä, has offered cutting-edge autonomous SmartDock capabilities to Seaspan, a marine transportation and shipbuilding firm.
This delivery represents a key step toward autonomous docking and undocking operations, which will make marine activities safer and more efficient.
Wärtsilä ANCS’s SmartDock system enables Seaspan to undertake autonomous docking manoeuvres even in tough conditions with currents of up to two knots. SmartDock’s superior technology ensures consistent, safe, and predictable docking and undocking manoeuvres every time, minimizing the need for extensive input from the vessel’s captain.
“Wärtsilä ANCS is excited to continue supporting Seaspan and build on an already strong working relationship. We look forward to the potential implementation of the SmartDock product across some other vessels in Seaspan’s ferry fleet, further advancing the automation and efficiency of maritime operations,” stated Klaus Egeberg, director, Dynamic Positioning, Wärtsilä ANCS.
The scope of work signed by Wärtsilä ANCS in 2021 involves delivering the autonomous SmartDock system, as well as track construction for autodocking at the Canadian ports of Tilbury, Duke Point, and Swartz Bay.
Notably, the SmartDock system uses an advanced UKF (Unscented Kalman Filter) estimator to calculate precise position and rate estimates of the vessel’s motion, combining sensor measurements from various sources, such as GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and Wärtsilä ANCS’s laser sensor Cyscan AS.
This data is then compared to the vessel’s optimal preprogrammed trajectory, and the advanced controller allocates thrust and steering commands, guaranteeing safe and consistent autonomous docking and undocking manoeuvres.
“Seaspan is proud to lead the charge in this technological advancement in vessel manoeuvring. The integration of Wärtsilä ANCS’s SmartDock system into Seaspan Trader exemplifies our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in maritime operations,” commented Alex Treharne, integration engineer of Seaspan.
