Towage operator Svitzer A/S, maritime technology group Kongsberg Maritime, and classification society ABS have signed an agreement to jointly develop RECOTUG, the world’s first fully operational, and fully remotely controlled tugboat.

While Svitzer, part of Danish shipping major Maersk, is bringing the needed operational experience, a newly built tug with crew as well as tug-specific technical solutions, Kongsberg Maritime will provide the remote control systems and the autonomous technology and lead the integration of systems and technology. What is more, ABS will bring the guidance and expertise necessary to obtain regulatory approval.