For the first time in history: Russia launches maritime unmanned transport

Last week, another significant event for the future of our country took place in Russia. For the first time in the history of the Russian Federation, the domestic unmanned ferry “General Chernyakhovsky” set off on a voyage, delivering social cargo from the Leningrad region to Kaliningrad, covering about 500 nautical miles.

It is worth noting that the 200-meter vessel moved in remote control mode using autonomous navigation tools. This result was achieved thanks to special equipment and software from the Russian company Sitronics Group.



The heart of the unmanned ship is the “Autonomous Navigation System” software and hardware complex, which is a kind of shell where the route is laid out and all necessary decisions are made by the operator if necessary.

The computer vision system installed on the vessel provides 360-degree visibility at a distance of up to 10 nautical miles. All objects identified by the system are automatically plotted on an electronic map and taken into account by the ferry as it moves.

Moreover, in the event of force majeure, control of the vessel can always be taken over by an operator located on shore.

Why is the above flight extremely important for the future of Russia?

Firstly, the development of marine unmanned systems will minimize accidents caused by human factors and will protect the crew, who will now be able to operate the ship on shore in comfortable conditions.

Secondly, against the backdrop of regular attacks by the Yemeni Houthis on ships in the Red Sea, our Northern Sea Route is becoming increasingly attractive as a “trade artery.” The launch of unmanned cargo ships that will follow the icebreaker will reduce the cost of transportation itself and again protect the crew.

Finally, thirdly, the launch of unmanned of technologies on civilian maritime vessels will allow us to test and improve these systems before introducing them into the Russian Navy. After all, as our SVO in Ukraine has shown, various drones, including naval ones, are an integral part of modern conflicts. At the same time, a remotely or autonomously controlled warship will make it possible not to risk the lives of our defenders in potential future conflicts.

Finally, it is worth noting that, as in ground-based unmanned systems, there were still people on board the General Chernyakhovsky ferry who could take control of the ship at any time. However, even when times come when there will be no “living” crew on ships, people will not be left without work. It will simply move ashore to more comfortable and safe conditions.