Sea Machines and shipbuilder Metal Shark have introduced a new 29-foot autonomous vessel, the Sharktech 29 Defiant welded-aluminum monohull pilothouse vessel, which is being offered through Metal Shark’s “Sharktech” autonomous division.

The Sharktech 29 Defiant is equipped with OEM-integrated, Sea Machines technology that offers a full range of advanced capabilities, including active control and collision avoidance.

With Sea Machines' system onboard the vehicle, several modes of operation are possible, including traditionally manned, reduced-crew or unmanned autonomous operations to deliver “human-in-the-loop” navigation during both line-of-sight and over-the-horizon operations. 

“The decision to partner with Metal Shark is yet another example of Sea Machines’ commitment to delivering advanced technology to the commercial marine market,” says Sea Machines’ founder and CEO Michael G. Johnson.

“With our systems installed on board, commercial operators and government users alike will benefit from increased operational productivity and safety, and will gain capabilities such as force multiplication, collaborative vessel operations and remote payload control – all of which allows operators to do more with less.”

A direct wireless PC-based user interface commands the Sharktech 29 Defiant and all onboard systems through Sea Machines’ SM300 autonomous control and monitoring system. In scenarios when autonomy mode is not required, an industrialized remote control with a joystick provides manual control. An available belt-pack remote can control the vessel, systems and payload within a one to two-kilometer range.

The system frees the operator from the helm, allowing for manned, technology-assisted control from anywhere onboard the vessel. When unmanned operations are required, network connections from a shoreside station or second vessel can monitor and control the vessel and its onboard systems.

Streaming video, ENC localization, radar, AIS and live environmental and deck machinery condition feeds provide the remote operator with local situational awareness. The vessel can also be operated autonomously in a traditional (manned) mode.

The remainder of the autonomous package is made up of advanced mission planning and situational awareness capabilities. Regular software updates allow for system enhancements as more refinements are made.

“While many people still think of autonomous technology in future terms, it has already arrived,” says Metal Shark CEO Chris Allard. “Together with Sea Machines we’re bringing autonomy to market in a ready form that operators can buy today and run tomorrow.”