Peel Ports Group signs strategic MoU for the development of autonomous vessel technology in UK ports
Published by Claire Cuddihy,
Assistant Editor
Dry Bulk,
One of the UK’s leading port operators Peel Ports Group and leading marine autonomy company ASV Global (ASV) have launched a partnership which is aimed at developing the use of autonomous vessel technology for UK port operations.
The partnership began with a visit from ASV’s team to the Port of Liverpool, to demonstrate the C-Cat-3, an autonomous vessel ideal for shallow survey operations.
The C-Cat 3 operated in Brocklebank Dock carrying out seabed survey using a Norbit iWBMS multibeam echosounder.
According to Peel Ports Group, its successful demonstration has led it to explore the possibility of using the technology at its other sites throughout the UK.
Peel Ports is to facilitate access to its ports across the UK for further test programmes, enabling ASV to benefit from its expertise in port safety and operations.
To cement the partnership between the two companies, an official Memorandum of Understanding was signed in March by Group Harbour Master at Peel Ports, Gary Doyle and ASV Global’s Sales and Marketing Director, Vince Dobbin.
Doyle commented: “Bringing the best in class expertise together, we will facilitate an increased understanding of the benefits of autonomous vessels within port operations.”
“The industry is already pushing for their commercial use and autonomous vessels are already widely accepted by our customers, especially those in the energy sector.”
“This partnership with global leader ASV will cement our commitment to ensuring we are at the forefront of research and the latest cutting-edge technologies which will provide the best possible service to our customers.”
Dobbin said: “There is enormous potential for the application of ASV technology within UK ports; we are delighted to be partnering with Peel Ports to leverage our combined expertise to realise these opportunities.
“Autonomous vessels have been gaining ground globally over recent years, we have proven the application of ASVs in a number of offshore environments and are excited to explore new areas of application.”
Read the article online at: https://www.drybulkmagazine.com/ports-terminals/16042018/peel-ports-group-signs-strategic-mou-for-the-development-of-autonomous-vessel-technology-in-uk-ports/
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