Mayflower autonomous Ship: A New Era in maritime Research

The Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS) has partnered with Iridium Communications and Thales Group to establish a robust communication framework for its groundbreaking transatlantic journey. Set to embark in Spring 2021, this innovative vessel aims to replicate the historic voyage of the original Mayflower from the 17th century while simultaneously collecting vital environmental data on issues such as climate change, ocean acidity, plastic waste, and marine conservation.

Scientific and Technological Insights

This uncrewed expedition not only serves a scientific purpose but also contributes considerably to the ongoing evolution of autonomous shipping within the maritime sector. Iridium, a frontrunner in satellite communications, is supplying its Iridium Certus technology, which offers resilient broadband connectivity. This system enables remote management of various vessel operations, including command and control, tracking, and diagnostics of propulsion systems.As the industry progresses, we can expect a gradual shift towards both crewed and uncrewed vessels, driven by advancements in remote piloting and regulatory frameworks, ultimately leading to substantial cost savings for shipping companies.

Innovative Data Collection Methods

The MAS initiative is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the marine research non-profit ProMare and IBM, with contributions from global partners. This state-of-the-art autonomous ship will utilize multiple methods to gather environmental data, prominently featuring an innovative device known as the ‘electronic tongue.’ Developed by IBM Research, the Hypertaste technology employs a series of chemical sensors to analyze the ocean’s chemical composition.

Ensuring Continuous Communication

To support its mission, the MAS is outfitted with a Thales VesseLINK 700 terminal, powered by Iridium Certus, ensuring that the onshore team can maintain constant communication and monitor the vessel’s location. The onboard Artificial Intelligence, informally dubbed the AI Captain, has been specifically designed by IBM and MarineAI to provide real-time performance feedback and situational awareness, relaying facts back to the MAS control center via the Iridium network.

“The Thales VesseLINK 700, powered by Iridium Certus, is crucial for transmitting essential scientific data from MAS to our team of ocean and climate specialists on land. It also allows us to check in with the AI Captain,ensuring it is effectively navigating the Atlantic,” explains Brett Phaneuf,a founding board member of ProMare and managing director of the Mayflower Autonomous Ship. “While the AI Captain is fully capable of managing the journey independently, our team in the UK remains deeply invested in the project and will be anxiously monitoring its progress. Fortunately, the extraordinary communication capabilities provided by Iridium help ease our concerns during this historic voyage.”

Advanced Communication Solutions

Iridium Certus stands out as the most elegant L-band broadband solution available, featuring compact, cost-effective terminals and global coverage. The MAS will leverage this cutting-edge satellite communication system, designed to withstand challenging weather conditions and harsh environments. Applied Satellite Technology (AST) has been appointed by Iridium as the service provider for this initiative.

A Platform for Future Innovations

“The Mayflower Autonomous Ship is not just a research vessel for the scientific projects onboard; it also serves as a testing ground for long-range autonomous vehicles. We recognize that we do not have all the answers, and this crossing will provide invaluable insights,” states Don Scott, Chief Technical Officer of the Mayflower Autonomous Ship. “The connectivity offered by the Iridium system allows us to monitor the AI systems in real-time while at sea, aiding in the planning for future developments. The reliable communication on board significantly enhances our operational oversight.”

A Modern Tribute to Exploration

“When the original Mayflower set sail, its crew embraced the uncertainty of their journey, driven by hope for a brighter future,” remarks Matt Desch, CEO of Iridium. “The Mayflower Autonomous ship embodies this spirit of exploration, demonstrating how modern technologies can positively influence both the global economy and our environment. Iridium is honored to serve as the Official Communications Partner for this ambitious mission, ensuring that the ProMare team can effectively monitor the MAS and access the critical data it collects.”