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ANSCHÜTZ: Autonomous shipping
Anschütz shapes maritime future with the CAPTN initiative
The CAPTN initiative in Kiel is pursuing an ambitious goal: the development of sustainable, autonomous and connected public transport on the water, which can be used to relieve traffic routes on land. At the heart of the project is the Kiel Fjord as a unique and, with its heavy traffic, challenging real-world laboratory for the safe mobility of the future. The motivation: commuting to work in the morning on the ferry in an environmentally friendly and relaxed manner – instead of losing time in traffic jams.
CAPTN is an interdisciplinary alliance of science, industry and the public sector. Partners include the R&D Centre at Kiel University of Applied Sciences, Kiel University, the Science Centre Kiel, the digital service provider Addix and numerous companies from the maritime industry. The projects of the CAPTN initiative are funded by the German Federal Ministry of Transport and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (as well as their previous federal ministries).
Anschütz GmbH plays a key role in this, being a world-leading provider of navigation and mission systems based in Kiel. Anschütz brings many years of experience in the development of safety-critical maritime systems and, within the framework of CAPTN, is significantly advancing the development of technologies for autonomous navigation, remote monitoring and remote control, as well as assistance and mission systems.
MV Wavelab: A testbed for autonomous shipping
A central element of the CAPTN initiative was the creation of the test field on the Kiel Fjord. This test field included the construction and commissioning of the MV Wavelab: a research catamaran specially developed for the study of autonomous shipping. The Wavelab serves as a floating laboratory for testing autonomous navigation and control technologies, sensors, and data transmission under a wide range of conditions.
For this purpose, the catamaran was equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and steering control systems from Anschütz. As part of the CAPTN initiative, the individual systems were adapted and further developed to complete the maritime situation picture and achieve a higher degree of automation on board.
As of June 2025, the Wavelab will be able to autonomously manage simple to moderately complex navigation tasks – including maintaining course, detecting and evaluating other traffic and potential hazards, and performing automated evasive manoeuvres.
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Remote Operation: Anschütz's control centre
Another milestone in the CAPTN initiative was the establishment of the Remote Operations Centre at Anschütz in Kiel.
The control centre features a digital twin that aggregates data from all onboard systems and sensors, including experimental ones. A large monitor allows a 360-degree view of video images from aboard the Wavelab – much like the vantage point from the lookout on a real ferry. The navigation radar, the electronic chart, the navigation data and the control and propulsion systems can be accessed via multifunction displays.
During intensive test campaigns, it was demonstrated that the MV can be safely controlled from the Remote Operations Centre. This includes manoeuvres such as taking over and handing over control and performing course changes and speed adjustments in real time.
Collision avoidance: COLREG-compliant algorithms
Collision avoidance is a central, safety-relevant issue in shipping. The COLREGs are the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea. In this area, Anschütz has made a significant breakthrough in collaboration with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology: the development and extensive testing of a COLREG-compliant navigation algorithm that enabled the Wavelab to navigate complex traffic situations efficiently and safely. The algorithm continuously analyses the traffic situation, assesses potential collision risks and recommends evasive manoeuvres that comply with the regulations.
What are the next steps towards an autonomous ferry service?
The technologies developed in the CAPTN initiative are being further developed and refined upcoming projects. An optimised situational awareness should enable well-founded decisions to be made and critical situations to be identified more quickly.
The aim is to increase acceptance of autonomous ferries by explaining technical processes in an understandable and transparent manner. This marks the transition from research to practical application – a crucial step towards bringing autonomous ferry systems to market readiness.
The technologies developed in the commercial sector can also be applied to naval defence. Anschütz is currently working on an autonomous navigation and mission system for unmanned naval boats. These systems should be able to carry out critical missions independently, such as surveillance missions or mine-hunting.
The future of shipping is digital, connected and sustainable – and the Kiel CAPTN initiative and Anschütz are actively helping to shape it.
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