BV AiP for remote comms system

Based in Belgium,Seafar manages and operates unmanned and reduced-crew inland and coastal vessels via remote operations centres.

The new digital solution is a real-time communication system supporting the transfer of onboard functions to the shore, removing the need for personnel movements.

“This endorsement validates our commitment to pioneering advancements in semi-autonomous and unmanned shipping technologies,” said Louis-Robert Cool, chief executive of Seafar.

“Our new communication system, designed to enhance manning efficiency and ensure safe operations, is now recognised for its robustness and reliability.”

Designed to support fully remote control operations at Degree RC3, as defined in BV Guidance Note NI641 Guidelines for Autonomous Shipping, BV says the system has demonstrated the capacity to ensure low stable latency, protection against message errors, and outage contingencies.

The AiP was conducted in accordance with the notation SYNC-COM, as described in BV Rule Note NR467 Rules for the Classification of Steel Ships.

So far the system has been installed on more than 40 ships.