| The Machine Odyssey’s Nellie Bly arrived in Copenhagen to dreary, chilly weather on Oct. 5., but not even the rain could stop the crew’s excitement for having completed nearly 40 percent of the mission safely and successfully. Upon arrival, Sea Machines’ SM300 autonomous system – which has enabled Boston-based mariners to command and control the Nellie Bly from a control room more than 3,600 miles away – had logged 355 NMs travelled and executed 22 collision avoidance maneuvers, as well as provided thousands of virtual onlookers with live camera views and situational awareness data along the way.
“Upon arrival into Copenhagen we have been greeted by very welcoming locals who embrace our technology. We continue to push the boundaries and capabilities of our system on each and every leg. The SM300 is proving to be a resilient piece of technology that is allowing us to complete our legs with ease,” said Sea Machines’ Captain Steve Turano, project manager for The Machine Odyssey.
It’s true that The Machine Odyssey isn’t the first autonomous marine voyage to make headlines, but no other company has committed to the extreme distance and full transparency of live data and voyage updates like Sea Machines is doing. Made possible by a real-time mission dashboard, never before have viewers had the opportunity to witness autonomous technology’s operational readiness for long-distance voyages at sea.
“We expected the SM300 to perform incredibly well at sea based on the system’s proven durability across customer vessels around the world, but this particular voyage is a challenging one, both operationally and due to weather. We’ve been pleased with the SM300’s ability to remain securely connected, execute the course as planned by the commanders in Boston, and reliably avoid obstacles. It’s exciting to showcase the future of marine navigation in real time right now,” said Sea Machines’ Captain Bill Powers, who has ridden aboard the Nellie Bly for the majority of the journey.
The morning after Nellie Bly’s arrival in Copenhagen, on Oct. 6, the skies cleared and Sea Machines welcomed guests for a planned celebration and educational event on Ofelia Harbor Pier, in nearby Luftkastellet.
Opening the event, Sea Machines’ CEO Michael G. Johnson thanked The Machine Odyssey sponsors and addressed the crowd: “We appreciate you all joining us today, a day to celebrate the momentous change that is taking place right now in our industry. Technology, such as autonomy, moves all industries forward, enabling them to be healthier, more robust and more competitive. Everyone here recognizes that the ocean maritime industry has been key for our society. Technology like ours is strengthening this industry by enabling more ships to work on water and creating more direct supply chains point-to-point on the water. It’s time to move our industries into the 21st industry with technology like what you’re witnessing today.”
Sea Machines then treated the guests – comprised of partners, vessel operators, members of the media, local leadership and others – to autonomy demonstrations, tours of Nellie Bly and delicious nibbles prepared by a local 5-star chef.
The company thanks everyone for their support of The Machine Odyssey thus far and we appreciate all who attended our Copenhagen event.
See more photos from the event here.
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