VESSEL REVIEW | Catamaran patrol craft with AI-based navigation capability

Cape Town, South Africa-based boat designer and builder Lynx Power Catamarans has completed construction of a multi-role vessel (MRV) that will be operated with the aid of artificial intelligence (AI).

Designed by Lynx Power Catamarans in cooperation with KND Naval Design, The aluminium vessel will undertake missions including maritime security patrols, surveillance, fisheries enforcement, firefighting, and search and rescue (SAR). Twin Yamaha four-stroke outboard engines enable it to reach speeds of up to 35 knots and operations are possible even under Sea State three conditions.

Measuring only 11 metres long, the catamaran is easily transportable by road, sea, and air, allowing greater flexibility with regards to deployment.

Perhaps the most notable feature of the MRV is its AI-driven navigation system, which was supplied by autonomous technology specialist Robosys Automation. The proprietary system can be fitted to both newbuild and existing vessels to enable these to operate as fully autonomous unmanned platforms capable of independent navigation, collision avoidance, and dynamic route optimisation up to IMO degree four autonomy standards.

Robosys said that, in its simplest form, the AI system can also provide collision avoidance decision aid (CADA) support in compliance to COLREGS. This will enable operators to enhance the safety, productivity, and efficiency. In a fully fledged unmanned surface vessel (USV), the system will enable remote piloting, fully autonomous navigation, and control including obstacle, collision and grounding avoidance by utilising AI-enabled vessel identification and perception systems.

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