Safetytech Accelerator has announced a new collaborative partnership with Cargill to pilot technology systems for robotic hull cleaning and ship digitalisation, featuring two of the companies that participated in the Accelerator’s Waypoint 3 programme.
Alicia Bots and eyeGauge are the two firms taking part. Alicia Bots offers a system involving multipurpose robots that are designed for high-risk maritime tasks, such as hull cleaning and inspections. eyeGauge is a provider of a non-invasive technology to collect digital data from onboard machinery and equipment irrespective of age or manufacturer.
“We are delighted to be able to announce our cooperation with Cargill, in what should be an interesting step forward for the industry in terms of digitalisation and emission reduction technology,” said Gabriele Dado, Commercial Director at Safetytech Accelerator.
“In doing so, we also deliver on our shared ambition to create a safer working environment not only on board but also for those who work around ships. It should be a positive development for diver safety, whilst benefitting both vessels’ ESG profile and commercial operations.”
For the pilot, Alicia Bots automated hull-cleaning robots will be deployed to conduct cleaning operations while ships are underway to improve consumption and ESG profiles, with the specific impact of the improvements to be monitored by a live data feed harvested through the eyeGauge computer vision and AI algorithm. eyeGauge will also provide Cargill with live vessel performance monitoring data.
“Data quality and hull condition management are areas that we are focussed on right now, and through the Waypoint Programme, Safetytech Accelerator have brought forward two promising technology solutions that we are excited to be trialling,” said Chris Hughes, Decarbonisation Specialist at Cargill.
