Robosys Automation has been contracted to retrofit a 26-meter Damen 2610 Fast Crew Supplier (FCS) Twin Axe High Speed Support Vessel (HSSV) with its flagship VOYAGER AI advanced maritime autonomy software.
The contract was awarded by an undisclosed European client and involves a comprehensive retrofit to optimize the performance of the VOYAGER AI platform during real-world offshore support operations. These operations include crew transfers, logistics, and dynamic positioning tasks. This integration will mark the second time Robosys’ VOYAGER AI has been retrofitted into a Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV), following a similar Damen 26m CTV integration in 2019.
VOYAGER AI is designed to integrate seamlessly with a vessel’s existing onboard systems, enabling Remote Control capabilities as well as enhanced safe Autonomous Navigation and smart decision-making. The system utilizes integrated Electronic Navigation Charts (ENCs), such as ECDIS, for route/path planning and re-planning validation, alongside COLREGS-based Collision Avoidance. The vessel being retrofitted was built in 2015 to Lloyd’s Register classification standards and is equipped with an Alphatron autopilot, Böning control system, Bosch Rexroth ship controls, and a Hydrosta bow thruster system, all of which will be integrated with the VOYAGER AI platform.
The software offers scalable levels of autonomy, ranging from decision-support to fully autonomous operations, and is built to integrate with existing vessel control systems with minimal disruption. This adaptability was a key factor in securing the contract, allowing VOYAGER AI to complement the vessel’s legacy systems while enabling future remote and autonomous operations.
Nigel Lee, Chief Strategy Officer at Robosys Automation, said, “This project represents a significant leap forward not only for Robosys but for the offshore renewables industry. The integration of VOYAGER AI into this Damen FCS 2610 vessel highlights the confidence in remote and autonomous smart vessel technologies to enhance safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability, within offshore wind operations.”
He continued, “The integration of Robosys’ VOYAGER AI into the Damen 2610 marks a major step forward in enhancing the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of our customer’s offshore operations. As the offshore wind industry continues to evolve, embracing advanced autonomy is a natural progression to meet future demands, for safer and cleaner seas.”
Robosys Automation, a leader in maritime autonomy, vessel control systems, and smart shipping solutions, supports a wide range of surface and sub-surface vessel operations with its VOYAGER AI software suite, from ports and naval defense to offshore energy and commercial shipping.
The deployment of this intelligent autonomy solution demonstrates how such systems can play a critical role in future-proofing vessel operations and supporting net-zero ambitions amidst the accelerating global demand for offshore wind.
