Robosys Automation has secured a contract to retrofit a Damen crew transfer vessel with its VOYAGER AI autonomy system. The project marks the company’s first entry into offshore renewables and signals growing confidence in autonomous technology for offshore wind support.
Robosys Automation, a UK-based leader in maritime autonomy and vessel control systems, has been awarded a contract to retrofit a Damen 2610 Fast Crew Supplier with its VOYAGER AI software. The deal represents the company’s first project in the offshore renewables sector and comes as the demand for safe and efficient offshore wind support vessels continues to grow.
The 26-metre vessel, built in 2015 to Lloyd’s Register standards, is powered by twin Caterpillar C32 engines and equipped with an Alphatron autopilot, Böning control system, Bosch Rexroth ship controls, and a Hydrosta bow thruster. These systems will be integrated with VOYAGER AI to enable remote control, autonomous navigation, collision avoidance, and real-time route planning.
This is not the first time Robosys has worked on a Damen crew transfer vessel. In 2019, it successfully retrofitted another Damen 26m CTV with the same technology. The new contract, awarded by an undisclosed European client, includes a comprehensive retrofit to prepare the vessel for offshore operations such as crew transfers, logistics, and dynamic positioning tasks.
Nigel Lee, Chief Strategy Officer at Robosys Automation, said: “This project represents a significant leap forward not only for Robosys but for the offshore renewables industry. The integration of VOYAGER AI into this Damen FCS 2610 vessel highlights the confidence in remote and autonomous smart vessel technologies to enhance safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability, within offshore wind operations.”
VOYAGER AI offers flexible levels of autonomy ranging from decision-support to fully autonomous operations. It is designed to work alongside legacy ship systems, allowing vessels to transition to autonomous capabilities with minimal disruption. According to Robosys, this adaptability was a key factor in securing the retrofit contract.
Lee added: “The integration of Robosys’ VOYAGER AI into the Damen 2610 marks a major step forward in enhancing the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of our customer’s offshore operations. As the offshore wind industry continues to evolve, embracing advanced autonomy is a natural progression to meet future demands, for safer and cleaner seas.”
Founded in 2012, Robosys Automation has built a reputation for pioneering maritime autonomy solutions across surface and subsea operations. Its technology is already in use by naval, commercial, and research partners around the world, supporting a broad range of applications from ports and defence to offshore energy.
As offshore wind expands, operators face pressure to meet safety and sustainability targets while managing costs. Robosys is positioning its VOYAGER AI as part of that solution, offering a path toward more intelligent vessel operations that can adapt to the industry’s changing needs.
