Autonomous oil spill response vessel makes debut

Developed by Boston-based Sea Machines Robotics, the autonomous system was deployed on an igor/Kvichak Marine Industries-built skimmer boat, owned by Marine Spill Response Corp (MSRC). A series of events held along Portland Harbour in Maine saw the vessel perform autonomous waypoint and grid line tracking, as well as remote-controlled operation from the shore. When functioning in fully autonomous mode, the skimmer will enable unmanned oil spill response where crews are restricted as a result of safety hazards like dangerous weather or toxic fumes.

“Our operation of the world’s first autonomous, remote-commanded spill-response vessel is yet another significant industry first for Sea Machines,” said Michael Johnson, founder and CEO of Sea Machines.

“But even more important is the fact that we’ve proven that our technology can be applied to the marine spill response industry – as well as other marine sectors – to protect the health and lives of mariners responding to spills.”