Championing automation on World Maritime Day

Speaking today (30 September) on World Maritime Day 2021, head of regulatory affairs at ABB Marine & Ports, Eero Lehtovaara, said that such technologies improve decision making, enhance safety and ‘allow human beings to concentrate on what they do best’.

“A whole new range of digital and autonomous technologies have been developed which can assist seafarers in their routine work schedules and support them in emergencies,” he said.

Mr Lehtovaara highlighted the autopilot and dynamic positioning system as two such smart technologies which have revolutionised the industry.

“At ABB, we have gone further,” he continued, “developing the ABB Ability Marine Pilot Vision – an intelligent solution that fuses the data available on board, to generate a digitally enhanced situational awareness, allowing much greater overview around the vessel and its voyage path.

“In addition, the ABB Ability Marine Pilot Control allows a whole new way to control vessels – where the operator previously had to switch between different systems to perform manoeuvring, transit and position-keeping, all modes are now available through one system.”

The system also features the Bridge Zero concept which automates basic bridge functions, freeing personnel to undertake other essential tasks, knowing they will be alerted if necessary.

“The purpose of this development is to allow humans to concentrate on the things they do best – applying knowledge and experience, exercising judgement, handling uncertainty and problem-solving – while digital systems deal with repetitious and potentially fatiguing tasks,” said Mr Lehtovaara.