GSAB2 project

Challenge

Autonomous ships, also known as Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), represent a revolution in the maritime transport sector. By embracing advanced artificial intelligence and automation technologies, these ships can greatly enhance navigation in numerous ways.

The GSAB2 project promotes a unified approach to automated ships, combining functionalities typically offered separately. This integrated system uses advanced technologies for data processing, prediction, and control, revolutionizing Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship (MASS) management in ports.

The benefits include:

- Pilot call cost reduction: Future pilot call costs may decrease with remote control stations, reducing crew and fuel expenses.

- Insurance savings: Enhanced collision avoidance reduces annual insurance fees.
Time efficiency: Improved maneuvering saves crew and pilot time.

- Maintenance savings: Lower collision risks extend hull and coating life, reducing maintenance costs.

- Fuel savings: Avoiding minor collisions at berth preserves hull conditions, saving 10% on fuel consumption with silicon paint.

- Port Authority benefits: Faster, accurate maneuvers reduce emissions and enhance safety.

- Improved safety: Real-time database updates ensure precise ship control with ideal routes based on traffic and infrastructure.

Approach

RINA will identify the current regulatory framework and any gaps that may hinder the implementation of proposed solutions or market uptake. They will define the approval and survey processes, including the Approval in Principle (AIP) process to ensure compliance with applicable rules for onboard systems. The AIP will follow RINA's "Guide for Approval in Principle of Novel Technologies" or equivalent guidelines, providing a structured approach to novel technologies. They will also conduct a risk assessment as outlined in RINA's "Guide for Risk Analysis" to identify and manage potential hazards or failures affecting these technologies.

We will provide advice and guidance for regulatory compliance of novel technologies developed in the project, following the Technology Qualification Process based on risk assessment techniques (WHAT-IF, HAZID, HAZOP, FMECA). Collaborating with all partners, our experience will support solution development through concurrent design, ensuring progressive approval to avoid late adverse comments. we will aid in regulatory compliance and project optimization, targeting safe, viable, reliable, and available solutions. Additionally, we will support testing and commissioning for the GSAB2 project.

Conclusion

The GSAB2 system will be installed on a selected ship and used by the Master and Pilot for ship control. Trials will take place on a Ro-Ro ship at the Port of Antwerp, Belgium. The results will help assess current standards and guide new standardization activities at IMO and EU levels, including cybersecurity. The GSAB2 system offers maritime companies a satellite-based tool for assisted and autonomous shipping near seaports. This will aid in evaluating innovative solutions and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Funded by the EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY (ESA)

Project Consortium