Currently, several means of transport are undergoing an accelerated development towards automation and automated movements. This development will also impact future ship handling with tugs. A glimpse into the future of tug boat operation.

Port authorities in Antwerp, Belgium, are making use of EMSA’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) to support their day-to-day monitoring of port operations and rapid response to pollution incidents in the port area. The RPAS will enable the authorities to inspect at a distance their complex port environment which extends over an area of some 120km².

We want YOU to join us!

The IMPA safety campaign will be running from 1st to 15th October 2021.

In my most recent article, I talked about how ports are currently faced with disruptive circumstances that severely impact the day-to-day port operations. The COVID-19 situation and blockage of the Suez Canal lead to increased operational uncertainty and a need for ports to endure the situation rather than planning the future.

Bergstraum inbound to Regent Quay in Aberdeen Harbour with the tug Kittywake assisting.

Pilot boat launch in Youghal on July 2012.

This video explores the question of why ships are so difficult to manoeuvre in reverse.