Published: 02/12/2017

Space technology to drive autonomous ships

Autodocking systems use additional sensors to assess proximity to harbour structures such as moles at the entrance, and distance to the berth. The propulsion system is adjusted by the system to bring the ferry safely and with minimum energy consumption to and from the docks. – photo © Rolls-Royce Plc; Id 387300
ESA will improve satellite-based ship identification and tracking in partnership with the European Maritime Safety Agency and exactEarth to meet the requirements of users, particularly those of government agencies such as coastal administrations. – photo © ESA; Id 313773

It was reported by the European Space Agency (ESA) from Paris on 30 November that Director General Jan Wörner had signed a Memorandum of Intent with Rolls-Royce, as the two entities agree to investigate how space technology can be used to develop autonomous and remote-controlled ships. The partners will pool their expertise to analyse and implement space-enabled services for autonomous and remote-controlled shipping, which reduces the opportunity for human error and allows ships’ crews to concentrate on more valuable tasks. It is understood that the plan is to study the applications of various space assets to autonomous shipping, such as satellite-based positioning, better situational awareness using Earth observation data, and satellite communications (satcom) services for improved onboard connectivity.