Features of the Maju 510 Autonomous Tug
The Maju 510 autonomous tug is the first vessel in the world to receive the Autonomous (NAV, OP1) Notation from ABS classification society.
Capable of autonomous point navigation, collision detection, and avoidance (CDCA), the tug demonstrated its CDCA capabilities during sea trials witnessed by the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA), navigating safely around two dynamic objects with varying speeds and headings.
Equipped with advanced technologies including a Digital Twin that simulates vessel behavior in multiple scenarios and optimizes operations, the tug also uses data analytics tools to improve control and response. These systems were developed by Keppel Marine and Deepwater Technology (KMDTech) in collaboration with MPA and the Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine, Singapore (TCOMS).
The Maju 510 is the first in South Asia capable of being remotely operated by joystick control from a shore command centre, even for complex maneuvers. It is also the first in the world to receive the ABS Remote Control Navigation Notation, granted in October 2021.
The remote control feature leverages ultra-low latency 4.5G network connectivity provided by M1, a member of the Keppel Group, establishing high standards for ship-to-shore communication and supporting mission-critical Internet-of-Things maritime applications.
Furthermore, the tug was the first vessel to receive the Smart (Autonomous) Notation by MPA, specifically the Smart (Autonomous) D2B Notation. This certification verifies the tug’s ability to perform autonomous and remote control navigation in a controlled environment with seafarers on board.
The vessel features ABB’s Ability™ Marine Pilot Vision, which fuses sensor data from onboard systems to generate digital situational awareness, and ABB’s Ability™ Marine Pilot Control system, which executes intelligent navigational control.
“As a key partner, we are proud to pioneer the digital transformation of Singapore’s maritime industry. ABB’s technology provides seafarers with better situational awareness, easier, safer and more efficient operations,” said Mr. Mahesh Krishnappa, Senior Vice President & Head of Marine & Ports at ABB Pte Ltd.
“Autonomous technology continues to advance at pace, and I am proud to say ABS is pioneering its development alongside forward-thinking clients such as Keppel. Together we have recorded another significant milestone on the path to this technology’s adoption by the global fleet and integration into day-to-day operations. We are developing the future of maritime operations with a focus on safety,” added Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Engineering and Technology.
“The successful trials conducted by the Keppel Maju 510 Autonomous Tug project signals an important step in the industry’s transformation towards Marine Autonomous Surface Ships. The use of a digital twin developed by TCOMS has helped to establish the behavior and performance of the tug in different operating scenarios. This is an important step to enhance the control and response of the tug, and paves the way to realize safe and efficient autonomous operations in real world conditions,” said Professor Chan Eng Soon, CEO, Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine, Singapore (TCOMS).
This article was originally published on Marine & Industrial Report newspaper Vol 44 No.2 Issue last April 30, 2022.
