Sea Machines Robotics, a leading developer of autonomous marine systems, has announced that the US Coast Guard (USCG) and American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) have approved its SM200 commercial wireless helm for installation aboard a class of US-flag tugboats that support articulated tug-barge (ATB) sets.
In a statement, the company described the technology as an “industry first in wireless control” and that the USCG and ABS granted approval after an exhaustive review of its capabilities.
The SM200 introduces flexible control for mariners, meaning the primary operator is no longer bound to a fixed control station.
This system enables wireless helm and propulsion control, as well as remote control of auxiliaries and payload equipment, freeing mariners from the wheelhouse to conduct operations from any location that offers the greatest visibility and safety.
Michael G. Johnson, CEO, Sea Machines Robotics, had this to say: “Today Sea Machines celebrates the confirmation that our SM200 system has been approved for use aboard ATBs by two of the most trusted bodies in the industry, ABS and the U.S. Coast Guard.
“This approval will unquestionably be the first of many to come for a wide variety of vessel types and is already fostering greater industry acceptance for this new realm of marine technology that boosts the capability, productivity, and safety of vessel operations.
