Sea Machines Robotics has announced that as part of its cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD), it successfully demonstrated its autonomous systems for use onboard a Kvichak Marco skimmer boat during events held along the Portland harbor on Aug. 21.

A Vigor/Kvichak Marine Industries-built skimmer boat was utilized during the on-water demonstrations. According to Sea Machines, the boat, which is owned by Marine Spill Response Corp. (MSRC), is the world’s first autonomous spill response vessel.

“Our operation of the world’s first autonomous, remote-commanded spill-response vessel is yet another significant industry first for Sea Machines,” says Michael G. Johnson, founder and CEO, 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. We are proud to support MSRC’s mission of response preparedness and to work alongside MARAD for these important demonstrations.”

A Sea Machines operator commanded the skimmer boat—equipped with Sea Machines' SM300 autonomous-command system—from a shoreside location at Portland Yacht Services. The boat performed several operations including remote autonomous control from an onshore location or secondary vessel, autonomous waypoint tracking, and collaborative autonomy for multi-vessel operations.

Sea Machines says that it is also discussed how to operate the skimmer in an unmanned autonomous mode, which would allow operators to respond to spill events 24 hours a day, seven days a week depending on recovery conditions, even when crews are not available or restricted.

These configurations reduce, or eliminate, exposure of crewmembers to toxic fumes and other safety hazards.

“This is the future of the maritime industry. It’s safer, it’s faster, it’s more cost-effective,” says Richard Balzano, deputy administrator.

“This technology is here and it will make you a believer. We are here because we want to help the maritime industry evolve. It’s about safety, the environment and reducing risk on the water.”