Webinars scheduled for December

1. Risk-aware control and decision-making for autonomous surface vessels (NTNU, Kongsberg Maritime and Fugro)
2. Navigator experiences of periodically unmanned bridge – an empirical study (IFE and SINTEF Ocean)

Tentative dates for gatherings in 2025

• Spring researcher workshop: 17 March
• Autumn researcher workshop: 15 September
• SFI AutoShip Days: 14-15 October

Centre researchers regularly present their results in webinars, in collaboration with industry and public sector partners. The webinars are recorded and made available to the consortium. 

Past topics:

1. Feasibility study of an unmanned cargo ship (SINTEF)
2. Bridging the gap between COLREGS and algorithms for collision avoidance (NTNU, UiO, DNV)
3. Automated docking for marine surface vessels (NTNU, Kongsberg Maritime, DNV)
4. Condition monitoring (NTNU, DNV)
5. Remote control rooms (NTNU)
6. AEGIS project (NCL, MacGregor, Trondheim Havn, SINTEF)
7. Safety and reliability of machinery systems (NTNU, Torghatten)
8. Radar in maritime situational awareness - Beyond point measurement (NTNU, Kongsberg Maritime)
9. Systems-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) tutorial (physical seminar organised by NTNU)
10. Safe Optimal Control and Multi-Target Tracking Demonstrated with a Digital Twin (NTNU)

Visit to Fugro in Aberdeen

Two Work Package 3 researchers visited Fugro's Remote Operation Centres (ROCs) in Aberdeen, Scotland, in August 2023. The researchers observed the ROCs for the unmanned surface vehicle (USV) Orca and the remote-operated vessel Blue Essence. A superintendent and global product manager of Fugro shared their insights into the transition from conventional vessel-based operations to ROC-based operations. 

Visit to Fugro in the Netherlands 

In February 2023, researchers and PhD students focusing on Use Case 4 Offshore support operations visited our partner Fugro in Nootdorp in the Netherlands. A guided tour around the Fugro TechCentre observing the technology development and prototyping was one of the highlights of they day. Fugro also provided a remote live tour of the Remote Operation Centre in Aberdeen. From this ROC, both ROVs and USVs are remotely operated.

Most importantly, plans were made for future collaboration on research activities, specifically around the PhD projects. Use case owner Equinor also participated in the workshop. 

Visit to Reach Subsea and NMA in Haugesund

In February 2023, researchers and PhD students focusing on Use Case 4 Offshore support operations visited our partner Reach Subsea in Haugesund. Thorough introductions to ongoing offshore support operations and technology were given, followed by discussions around the use of unmanned surface vessels (USVs). Use case owner Equinor also participated in the workshop.

While in Haugesund, the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) facilitated a workshop focusing on the risk-assessment of USVs and autonomous ships in general. DNV also contributed to this workshop with their insight from a classification perspective. Risk assessment will be an important focus area for Use Case 4.

Visit to NCL Svelgen in Orkanger

Centre researchers visited NCL Svelgen at Trondheim Havn container terminal in Orkanger in September 2022. NCL crew gave a guided tour on the vessel and provided a lot of interesting information about operational experiences. The port personnel also guided around the terminal and answered questions about the port logistics. The information gathered will be important in the further research related to Use Case 2 - Short sea container shipping. 

Visit to the ferry between Levanger and Ytterøy

In March 2022 a team from SFI AutoShip visited the ferry crossing between Levanger and Ytterøy, invited by Torghatten. This is part of one of the Use Cases in SFI AutoShip and the purpose was for the PhDs and researchers to consider and learn about the possibiities for autonomy. They met with the shipping company and 3 captains who contributed with valuable knowledge and experience.