Volvo Penta unveils self-docking yacht technology

Aiming to tackle one of boating’s most stressful maneuvers – docking – Volvo Penta has revealed an advanced self-docking solution, targeted for launch in 2020.

The Gothenburg, Sweden, stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race was the scene for the June 16 unveiling of Volvo Penta’s self-docking system.

In a live demonstration, a 68-foot yacht fitted with the technology maneuvered itself between two Volvo Ocean Race 65 racing yachts.

The unveiling of the pioneering self-docking yacht technology is the latest in Volvo Penta’s ongoing ‘Easy Boating’ philosophy to make boating simple, enjoyable and accessible to more people.

At its heart is the joystick-controlled Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System, a complete and integrated propulsion system – from the helm station, via the engine, all the way to the propellers. The system also enables secure, automated dock departures. 

Prototypes of Volvo Penta’s self-docking technology are currently undergoing development trials. The automated docking capability comes due to the onboard electronic vessel control system (EVC), which computes steering and drive calculations in relation to the boat’s actual position and four sensors sited on the intended berth.

“Docking is one of the most challenging boat handling maneuvers – getting it wrong can be embarrassing, expensive and precarious,” says Björn Ingemanson, president of Volvo Penta. “Our IPS system has already taken great strides in making docking easier, and this new self-docking feature takes that process one important stage further.”

Sensors and onboard computers react to changing wind and sea conditions, constantly making micro adjustments in power and steering angle of the IPS drive to keep the boat on its intended course into a safe berth, Ingemanson said. If necessary, the docking process can be paused, and the system will hold the boat stationary in the water. 

Automating the docking process involves three distinct phases. First, as the boat nears its berth, the system recognizes that it has entered a ‘catch zone’ and sends out a signal to the captain that it is ready to dock. Once the captain has activated the self-docking function, the boat is aided by GPS and automatically moved into a “docking ready” position.

Once the captain has initiated the final stage, the system uses a combination of GPS and sensors, both those fitted onboard and additional sensors fitted to the destination dock to automatically move the boat into a safe berth.

“We have long had the ambition to make docking as easy as possible,” said Johan Inden, chief technology officer at Volvo Penta. “The first step towards this was in 2006, with the launch of our joystick docking technology. This was followed by the introduction of the Dynamic Positioning System, which automatically maintains a boat’s heading and position, even during strong currents or windy conditions – ideal when preparing for docking. Now, we are taking the next important step by enabling the boat to dock itself. With our easy docking concept, we aim to attract more people to enjoy the boating experience.”

The initial focus for Volvo Penta’s self-docking system will be individuals who can install the system on their own private docks.

Longer term, it is believed that the technology will be of considerable interest to harbors and marinas, allowing IPS-equipped boats fitted with the system to dock in complete safety and accuracy.

An additional future scenario for the self-docking system is that it could be integrated with Volvo Penta’s Easy Connect application.

The app could allow users to check if the nearest marina is equipped with the appropriate self-docking technology – or even perhaps use it to secure a parking space.

Safety is a primary factor in the ongoing development of the feature and, as with similar ‘self-parking’ technology in the automotive world, Volvo Penta’s docking system is not designed to be fully autonomous.

While the system will also feature surround sensors that provide anti-collision alert and avoidance, the captain needs to remain at the helm during the docking process, ready to intervene if necessary.

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