On 18 August, at Nor-Fishing in Trondheim, Damen Folla and Zeabuz will unveil a new smart docking system designed to help aquaculture operators avoid collisions with objects in the water, thereby reducing downtime and repair costs. The ZeaWatch Docking Assist system combines a range of technologies to provide the crew with a comprehensive overview of infrastructure, both above and below the waterline.
Development of the system began in May this year when Damen Folla CCO Stig Rune Nørbech contacted Zeabuz CEO and CTO Øyvind Smogeli. He wanted to explore whether it would be possible to create a system similar to a parking assist system used in the automotive sector for aquaculture workboats.
Increased visibility
“Every year, there are many incidents at fish farms with vessels colliding with infrastructure. This often results in significant downtime, with vessels having to go ashore for costly repairs – not to mention the damage caused to the infrastructure,” says Stig.
His call came at an opportune moment; Zeabuz was putting the finishing touches to such a system for an electric sightseeing vessel.
“The technologies behind the solution are well proven,” states Stig. “What is unique here is its application. In the automotive industry, and in previous maritime cases, the objective has been to detect objects above or on the waterline. In the aquaculture industry, however, much of the infrastructure lies below the waterline and is, therefore, not visible to vessel operators.”
To address this challenge, Zeabuz has developed a solution that combines cameras and 4D radar technology with sonar and GNSS. The system builds a dynamic map of the vessel surroundings both above and below the waterline, and presents this information in a birds-eye map view with distance measurements and a “traffic light” warning system. This allows operators to detect objects and monitor their proximity to the vessel as it approaches.
Ongoing collaboration
The smart docking system is the latest result of the cooperation between Damen Folla and Zeabuz. Also on display in Trondheim will be the ZeaFalcon – a 7-metre HDPE Damen vessel integrated with a Zeabuz autonomy system.
ZeaFalcon’s autonomy system comprises multiple capabilities, including autonomous navigation, collision avoidance, remote command and control, and autodocking. The vessel will be demonstrating its capabilities in the harbour during the event. Operations will also be livestreamed to a screen in the exhibition hall.
Growing importance of automation
“Automation is only going to grow in importance for the aquaculture industry,” explains Øyvind. Already we are witnessing the effects of crewing challenges. As operations move farther from shore and into more exposed locations, we expect to see increasing use of larger and more complex vessels.
“Our approach to autonomous technology and navigation support is not aimed at displacing the crew. What we are seeking to do is rather to develop solutions that support the operators, making their work safer, more efficient and more productive.”
Damen Folla and Zeabuz can be found at stand nr. F-545 and Skansen S-904 at Nor-Fishing.