Rosmorport hopper barge demonstrates autonomous sailing capability

Russia’s Rosmorport has conducted a demonstration of the autonomous navigation capability of the hopper barge Rabochaya.

Under the supervision of an onboard crew, the vessel sailed autonomously in the waters of the Port of Gelendzhik, all the while recognising and avoiding obstacles and identifying optimal routes.

The autonomous system installed on Rabochaya was supplied by local company Kronshtadt Technologies. Future trials will determine the feasibility of having a crewed vessel serve as a platform from which other vessels can be operated autonomously.