Integrated Maritime Autonomous Transport Systems (IMAT)

Abstract

There is an increasing focus on autonomous transport systems, and Norway has a technological and market advantage for such systems in the maritime segment. The national transport plan emphasizes that it is an objective to transfer more cargo onto keel. The MarOff, Maritim21, Hav21 programs and the political platform agrees, that autonomous vessels are an important part of this effort. Sea transport must be competitive with regard to price, efficiency and regularity, and should also have an environmental gain as well as a risk reduction. Autonomous transport systems are one of the means of moving cargo tranport from truck to ship, but it must be documented that an autonomous transport operation can be carried out effectively, safely, and with enough barriers against errors. Land-based infrastructure will be important for the success of autonomous shipping. This paper will describe the IMAT project's objectives regarding definition, development and testing of land-based sensors, communication and control systems for support of an autonomous transport operation. The technological infrastructure will be able to give the transport system increased sensor redundancy and is integrated with shore control centres that will ensure safe and efficient operation. Land-based infrastructure is crucial for the safe implementation of autonomous maritime transport systems and has been given less focus compared to the autonomous vessel itself. This is what we will address within the IMAT project.