Damen Folla and Zeabuz Smart Docking System for Aquaculture Vessels

Damen Folla and Zeabuz will present a new smart docking system designed to help aquaculture vessels avoid collisions with objects in the water, thereby reducing downtime and repair costs.

The ZeaWatch Docking Assist tool combines various technologies to provide the crew with a comprehensive overview of the infrastructure, both above and below the waterline.

Stig Rune Nørbech, Commercial Director of Damen Folla, stated that "every year numerous incidents occur at fish farms, where vessels collide with infrastructure. This often leads to significant downtime, as vessels have to dock for costly repairs, not to mention the damage caused to the infrastructure."

"The technologies underpinning the solution are widely proven. What is unique lies in their application. In the automotive industry, and in previous maritime cases, the goal has been to detect objects above or on the waterline. However, in the aquaculture industry, much of the infrastructure is below the waterline and, therefore, not visible to vessel operators," noted the commercial director.