# Autonomous ship handling with tugs

**URL:** <https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/autonomous-ship-handling-with-tugs/52649>\
**Category:** Tugs & Towing\
**Created:** [September 9, 2019, 9:44am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/autonomous-ship-handling-with-tugs/52649 "2019-09-09T09:44:23Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![ombugge](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/ombugge/32/11217_2.png) [@ombugge](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/ombugge)\
**Post date:** [September 9, 2019, 9:44am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/autonomous-ship-handling-with-tugs/52649/1 "2019-09-09T09:44:23Z")

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The autonomous tugs of the future?:

> **[The Road Towards Autonomous Ship Handling with Tugs](https://www.maritime-executive.com/blog/the-road-towards-autonomous-ship-handling-with-tugs-1)**
>
> In a pragmatic way, the recently published third edition of the book Tug Use in Port A practical Gu...

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**Author:** ![ombugge](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/ombugge/32/11217_2.png) [@ombugge](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/ombugge)\
**Post date:** [October 23, 2019, 4:00pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/autonomous-ship-handling-with-tugs/52649/2 "2019-10-23T16:00:57Z")

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ABB to bring autonomous tugs to Port of Singapore:

> **[ABB to bring autonomous technology to the Port of Singapore](https://new.abb.com/news/detail/39090/abb-to-bring-autonomous-technology-to-the-port-of-singapore)**
>
> ABB signs a landmark contract with Singaporean shipyard Keppel Offshore & Marine to enable autonomous tug operation in 2020

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**Author:** ![Kevin\_Frazier](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/kevin_frazier/32/6407_2.png) [@Kevin\_Frazier](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Kevin_Frazier)\
**Post date:** [November 8, 2019, 3:09pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/autonomous-ship-handling-with-tugs/52649/3 "2019-11-08T15:09:48Z")

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Thanks for posting this. From the description, it seems “autonomous” may not be the correct descriptor for this system, since its operation requires human oversight (continuous). Limited automation applied may be a good thing, reading the system description provided by Wärtsilä, the system is intended to provide precision automation to routine operations. I’d like to know the opinion of the crew after a few months of continuous operation and learn what their opinion may be.

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**Author:** ![ombugge](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/ombugge/32/11217_2.png) [@ombugge](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/ombugge)\
**Post date:** [September 25, 2020, 8:02pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/autonomous-ship-handling-with-tugs/52649/4 "2020-09-25T20:02:42Z")

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Another test of what is termed an “Autonomous tug” to revive this old thread, although it didn’t attract much response the last time:

> **[Kotug, Rotortug, and Captain AI Demonstrate Fully Autonomous Sailing](https://maritime-executive.com/corporate/kotug-rotortug-and-captain-ai-demonstrate-fully-autonomous-sailing)**
>
> First vessel in the world that autonomously sails the most optimal route.
> 
> Maritime service provid...