Accurate begins conversion of six vessels to autonomous USVs for Indian Navy

Indian marine automation specialist Accurate Industrial Controls is moving ahead with the conversion of six vessels into Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) for the Indian Navy.

The company has completed a feasibility assessment of the first three vessels. They will be converted into fully autonomous craft at Mumbai’s Naval Dockyard.

First three vessels assessed for conversion

The first phase covers one 13-metre Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC) and two 23-metre Immediate Support Vessels (ISVs).

The FIC is used for coastal reconnaissance, while the larger ISVs operate alongside frigates and other naval assets. The ISVs have a range of around 400 nautical miles, according to Accurate.

The vessels form part of a six-vessel agreement signed with the Indian Navy in 2022.

All six will be equipped with Accurate’s Intelligent Situational Awareness and Collision Avoidance (ISACA) system.

Technology completes 2,500 hours of trials

As part of the development programme, Accurate built two test USVs. These included a 13-metre interceptor craft and a five-metre Search and Rescue workboat.

The vessels completed 2,500 hours of sea and river trials with the Indian Navy.

Following the trials, the Indian Register of Shipping certified the ISACA technology to IRS AUTN 4-R(N).

Accurate said the system is designed to operate in line with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs).

“We are immensely proud that Accurate is playing its part in the global USV race,” said Dharmesh Popatlal Gala, Director of AI & Robotics at Accurate Industrial Controls.

Autonomous system combines sensors and AI

The ISACA system combines radar, electro-optical equipment and inertial navigation technology.

It provides 360-degree situational awareness and uses AI to detect and track vessels and other objects.

The technology also supports autonomous route planning, collision avoidance and vessel control. Operators can remotely monitor the vessel and manually override the autonomous system when required.

According to Accurate, the computing and AI functions are performed at the edge rather than through a cloud-based system.

Accurate targets wider maritime applications

Beyond naval operations, Accurate sees potential applications for the technology in port and harbour security, offshore energy, hydrographic surveys, environmental monitoring and infrastructure inspections.

The company also plans to offer the ISACA autonomy system to allied navies and coastguards outside India.

Accurate said it sees potential demand in North Africa and the Middle East and is exploring USV training and simulator programmes with European partners.

The post Accurate begins conversion of six vessels to autonomous USVs for Indian Navy appeared first on Container News.