News / Completing satellite network lays a course for the launch of remote-controlled ships

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Research into the feasibility of driverless – that should read helmsman-less – cargo ships took another step forward this week when satellite communications provider Inmarsat joined the Advanced Autonomous Waterborne Applications Initiative.

The two-year project, led by the Rolls-Royce Blue Ocean research team and funded to the tune of €6.6m by the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (Tekes), will also see contributions from a range of Finnish universities, Dutch ship designer Deltamarine and class society DNV GL.

Project conclusions and ...