In a significant step forward in the development of autonomous vessel operations and smart marine technology, PSA Marine and technology group Wärtsilä have successfully completed initial sea trials on the IntelliTug project.

As part of the project, harbour tug PSA Polaris was retrofitted with a suite of Wärtsilä technology such as high-resolution radars and a Dynamic Positioning (DP) system to enable autonomous navigation. Since September last year, the tug has undergone initial sea trials in a safe and controlled environment within the Port of Singapore.

The pioneering trials have confirmed the automated tug’s ability to avoid a variety of obstacles, including virtual and real-life moving vessels. Development work on the IntelliTug and its systems will continue throughout the year.

Managing Director of PSA Marine Peter Chew said, “PSA Marine is constantly innovating to redefine the capabilities of our tugs. The achievement seen in the IntelliTug project is a testament that with strong partnership, alignment of purpose and the courage to innovate, ideas can be turned into reality. With the incorporation of feedback and experience from our Tug Masters, the smart technology developed in the IntelliTug project augments our Tug Masters’ situational awareness and amplifies their capabilities. We will continue to work closely with the stakeholders and look forward to future developments of the project.”

For more information, please click HERE for the press release.