Volvo self-docking boating technology has become a reality

 

Volvo's marine subsidiary Penta has announced commercial access to the self-docking boat technology called integrated auxiliary docking.

The docking assistance system gives the captain better control when laying the boat by automating, compensating for some dynamic variables, such as wind and current, and helping the ship stay on its intended course.

Self-mooring boat technology is designed to deal with the complex chaos of driving the ship to the dock, making the captain's life a lot easier.

Docking can be one of the most stressful and challenging aspects of boats even for experienced captains, as tidal and wind fluctuations make it more difficult when trying to head to the wharf.

In addition, you are not only trying to prevent your boat from crashing, but also trying not to bump into anyone else as well.

Unlike the car, the boat never stands still without the need for some maneuvering, and moving in a straight line to a narrow pavement in bad weather is much harder than steering the wheel.

Self-docking boat technology, which identifies the location of the boat using a combination of GPS, on-board sensors and dynamic positioning, makes adjustments during docking.

The ship's captain needs to hold the joystick and signal in the general direction only, and the system will do the rest.

Two years ago Volvo Penta introduced the system for the first time during the Swedish stage of the Volvo Ocean Race in Gothenburg.

The test boat was placed between two 72.6-foot racing yachts and was able to steer itself easily between them without any pressure.

This new system is important for the future of sea travel, as the ability to drive a boat in a straight line — to automatically compensate for the environment — must make sailing safer, and bring us closer to fully independent naval vessels.

You can order self-docking boating technology this spring, and you can also add it to Volvo Penta's current yacht if it's between 35 and 120 feet in size.

In 2006, Penta launched its own joystick technology, which brought maneuvering and control functions to recreational boats.