Canadian naval architect Robert Allen Limited (RAL) has been providing concepts in the autonomous operations arena since 2015, when it unveiled its innovative RAmora series, designed primarily for ship assist and berthing operations. Equipped with Voith drives, these are highly manoeuvrable and controllable vessels, fitted with an advanced remote control system derived from ROV/AUV and aerial drone applications.Discussions with prospective owners and shipyards have subsequently progressed. However, Lawren Best, director, Design Development, says: "A formal construction contract has not been signed yet for a RAmora as Covid unfortunately delayed some of the projects which were moving towards remote and eventual autonomous operation. However, we have been actively using the time over the last year on some R&D measures to progress automation and line handling technical items, to mature and de-risk the designs going forward."
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