REMOTE CONTROL AND AUTONOMOUS TEST BED​ ​

Varying degrees of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) vessels are becoming an increasing part of the modern maritime industry. These technologies are expected to generate new opportunities for environmental efficiency, safety through the removal of human error, and operational cost reductions. However, the necessary operational, regulatory, and training frameworks have not developed in parallel. Most of the current frameworks (e.g. COLREG, SOLAS, STCW) were developed before MASS was envisaged. This poses important and intertwined challenges, including safe operation of these vessels in the same sea areas as manned vessels, and the skills and training required for a rapidly changing workforce.
The IGNITE project will provide a novel and unique MASS testing and training facility. Solent University’s Timsbury Lake Ship Handling Centre (SHC) is one of only five manned model testing and training facilities world-wide. Solent University is the only institution worldwide with both advanced manned model and simulation capability through the associated full-mission class A Gosling Foundation Maritime Simulation Centre (MSC). The IGNITE project will innovatively link the manned model and simulation centres providing training and testing for MASS systems. The project will enable complex simulation of real traffic interactions and high-risk manoeuvring in a safe and controlled environment.