Marine robots to patrol vital ports

The concept of a fleet of small, unmanned
vessels deployed in the major shipping ports of the world to provide security is not that far off.

This fourth generation, modular, adaptable and affordable unmanned vessel has been specifically designed for security and public service applications, ranging from anti-piracy patrol through harbour security to oil rig surveillance. With 60 per cent of the world's oil moving through the Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean, the Gulf represents a prime market for new marine surveillance and detection systems. This is one of the reasons they have decided to launch the Interceptor in Abu Dhabi at IDEX 2007.

Unmanned technologies are now being exploited on an ever-widening basis across both the civil and military sectors. MRV says that Interceptor represents a state-of-the-art solution for marine security concerns. A fleet of small harbour vessels outfitted with sensors and detection systems and linked to land-based computers could provide accurate data-even down to whether arriving ships are carrying human cargos or perhaps, any radioactive materials. The applications now range from simple navigation and photography or data collection to future platforms for quick disaster response and weapons platforms.

A spokesman for Reed Exhibitions, organizers of IDEX 2007 said that the decision to unveil a new robotic vessel at this year's show complements the high technology theme of the exhibition.