PMI Teams With Robert Allan on Autonomous Tug

Pacific Maritime Institute (PMI) and Robert Allan Ltd. (RAL) have completed comprehensive testing of control systems for one of the world’s most revolutionary concepts – the remotely operated RAmora tug.

Designed primarily for ship-assist and berthing operations in high-risk situations, the RAmora 2400 is the flagship vessel of RAL’s new TOWBoT (Tele-Operated Workboat or Tug) series. The ultra-maneuverable, high-performance tug boasts a bollard pull of 55 tons and features a hybrid propulsion system with substantial battery storage capacity, thereby enabling extended operation in potentially hazardous environments like LNG terminals, firefighting situations, and close-in berthing or ship-assist operations.

“We were excited to be able to use our advanced simulation capabilities to assist RAL in the development of RAmora’s unique and advanced control system,” stated PMI lead technician Ted Quanstrom. “The result confirmed the benefits of cost-effective simulation technology in finding critical solutions.”

PMI provided a unique platform for the RAmora testing team to rapidly evaluate the capabilities of variously configured tug control systems. Utilizing its TRANSAS Navi-Trainer full-mission ship simulation system, the PMI team created a sophisticated control center with a wide range of indicators, displays and visual panels, including joy sticks with multiple-axis control, all targeted at finding the optimal set of displays for safe and efficient operation.

“The PMI team did an exceptional job of preparing the prototype console for our RAmora tug concept,” stated Vince den Hertog, RAL’s Vice President of Engineering. “We also benefited enormously from the enthusiasm, professionalism and feedback of participating tug captains Doug Pine and Patrick Dougan and retired Puget Sound pilot Vern Justice.”

Added RAL lead engineer Robin Stapleton: “The prototype console arrangement quite closely matched our vision, and the ability to easily try and test various configurations was most helpful.” Further information about the unique RAmora tug can be found at the Robert Allen Ltd. website: http://ral.ca/2015/09/18/revolutionary-RAmora-brings-tele-operated-capability-to-ship-handling.

Robert Allan Ltd. is a world-renowned firm of consulting naval architects and marine engineers based in Vancouver, Canada. Its business focuses on the design of commercial workboats of all types with a particular emphasis on the international tugboat market. For additional information, visit http://ral.ca.

Transas is a leader in maritime simulation technology and a global provider of high-tech equipment, software applications, integrated solutions and services for the maritime industry. For more information, visit http://www.transas.com.

PMI is the West Coast branch of the Baltimore-based Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies-Pacific Maritime Institute (MITAGS-PMI), a nonprofit vocational training center for individuals seeking to enter the maritime profession and for professional mariners seeking to advance their careers. It is the leader in maritime training, pilot licensing, ship simulation and operational research. For more information, visit www.mitags-pmi.com.