Foss to take delivery of new autonomous tug May 7, 2021, by Fatima Bahtić
A Seattle-based tug and towing company Foss Maritime has joined forces with autonomous vessel software and systems provider Sea Machine Robotics to integrate autonomous systems on a tugboat set to deliver this month.
The tugboat, named Rachael Allen, is the fourth of several new ASD-90 tugs under construction at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, in Freeland, Wash.
According to Foss, the 90-ton bollard pull tug will be the first U.S.-Flag harbor tug to integrate autonomous systems in real-world commercial operations. The project also marks Sea Machines’ first installation of an autonomy system on a vessel over 5,000 hp.
Foss to Operate Autonomous Harbor Tug
Maritime Activity Reports, Inc.
Foss Leisa Florence ASD-90 tugboat, sister vessel to Rachael Allen (Photo: Foss Maritime)
Foss Maritime’s newest vessel will be the first U.S.-flag harbor tug to integrate autonomous systems in real-world commercial operations.
Launched on April 29 and scheduled for delivery in May 2021, the newly built 90-ton bollard pull Rachael Allen the fourth in a series of ASD-90 Z-drive tractor tugs being built at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, in Freeland, Wash. will feature Sea Machines Robotics’ SM300 autonomous-command and -control system. The system s capabilities include transit autonomy, as well as remote access of the tugboat’s onboard machinery, a feature that allows personnel to manage and support operations from anywhere on board the vessel or from shore. Navigation obstacle detection and avoidance capabilities also come standard.
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A new harbor tug for Seattle-based Foss Maritime is set become the first vessel of its kind in the United States to use autonomous systems in real-world commercial operations.
Foss Maritime has selected Sea Machines Robotics’ SM300 autonomous-command and -control system for use aboard its tugboat Rachael Allen, the fourth of several new ASD-90 tugs currently under construction at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, in Freeland, Washington. With delivery scheduled for May, the newly built 90-ton bollard pull tug will deploy to Foss Maritime in California, where it will provide tanker escort and ship assists.
While the Rachael Allen will be delivered with the SM300 system and all hardware fully integrated, the capability of the technology will be activated in stepped phases over the course of six to nine months in order to ensure full visibility and acceptance from all operational stakeholders, according to Sea Machines. Capabilities of the SM300 system include tran
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By Leslie Heck, Air Force Research Laboratory Public Affairs / Published May 05, 2021
Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. John E. Hyten speaks during the Joint Requirements Oversight Council’s visit to Austin, Texas April 9 for an event showcasing commercial and military collaboration, including the Air Force Research Laboratory’s AFWERX program. (Photo courtesy of Joint Requirements Oversight Council)
After a landing in the University of Texas at Austin football stadium, LIFT Aircraft’s Flight Development Engineer and Chief Pilot, Jace McCown, explains to Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. John E. Hyten, how to operate LIFT’s “Hexa” electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. (Photo courtesy of Joint Requirements Oversight Council)