Peel Ports Group and ASV Global (ASV) have launched a partnership which should develop the use of autonomous vessel technology for UK port operations.
The partnership kick started with a visit from ASV’s team to the Port of Liverpool, to demonstrate the C-Cat-3 autonomous vessel.
The C-Cat 3 operated in Brocklebank Dock carrying out seabed survey using a Norbit iWBMS multibeam echosounder.
The demonstration has led Peel Ports Group to explore the possibility of using the technology at its other sites throughout the UK.
Peel Ports will facilitate access to its ports across the UK for further test programmes, allowing ASV to benefit from its expertise in port safety and operations.
To cement the partnership between the two companies, an official memorandum of understanding was signed by Gary Doyle from Peel Ports and Vince Dobbin from ASV Global.
The partnership will encourage shared learning and address the challenges relating to using autonomous vessels within UK ports. It will also explore possibilities for collaborative development projects.