Austal Australia has achieved a key milestone in its autonomous vessel development program, receiving Approval in Principle (AiP) for its new Autonomous and Remotely Operated Ships (AROS) Platform Controller. The approval, granted by Det Norske Veritas (DNV), follows a comprehensive assessment of the controller’s safety and operational design. Developed at Austal’s Henderson shipyard in Western Australia, the AROS Platform Controller acts as a bridge between a vessel’s engineering systems and navigational autonomy software, enabling seamless transition between crewed, remotely operated, and autonomous modes. The system continuously monitors vessel integrity, validates command inputs, and ensures safe operation within design parameters. Austal highlighted the certification as evidence of growing maturity in maritime autonomy technology, emphasizing its importance in advancing both naval and commercial applications. The AiP certification also aligns with global efforts to standardize safety and reliability in autonomous ship operations. The AROS system was developed as part of the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial, a collaboration with Greenroom Robotics and DNV that converted a patrol vessel into a remotely controlled test platform. The project successfully demonstrated automated navigation and system monitoring capabilities. Internationally, the United States Navy’s Sea Hunter USV and the UK Royal Navy’s MADFOX autonomous craft are conducting similar long-range and multi-mission trials. Austal stated that the AROS certification will support ongoing development of future autonomous platforms, including remotely operated surface combatants and logistics vessels, aimed at reducing crew workload, extending operational range, and enhancing mission safety in complex maritime environments.
