03.02.2025
Arkas Maritime Fleet has joined forces with Trelleborg Marine and Infrastructure to improve the navigation and maneuvering safety of its container vessels. By integrating SafeCaptain technology into its vessels, Arkas has taken navigation technology, which is critical for maritime safety and efficiency, to the next level.
Arkas is taking proactive measures against factors that adversely affect vessel navigation and maneuvering safety, such as currents, heavy vessel traffic, and incorrect navigation choices, particularly in narrow and complex maneuvering areas and waterways such as ports, straits, and canals.
Through its partnership with Trelleborg Marine and Infrastructure, a leading global maritime and infrastructure company, Arkas supports the operational processes in its container vessel fleet with the latest cutting-edge technologies. As part of this initiative, SafeCaptain technology has been integrated with SafePilot’s CAT ROT Portable Pilot Unit (PPU), ensuring vessel safety even in the most demanding navigation and maneuvering conditions. SafeCaptain enables precision tracking in restricted waterways by utilizing a high-resolution Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and an advanced motion sensor to monitor a vessel’s three-dimensional movements. The system remains operational even during power outages, allowing it to continuously calculate the vessel’s position and course. Meanwhile, SafePilot is at the forefront of maritime navigation technology, with its SafePilot P3 unit being the first high-precision navigation system evaluated and approved by the Panama Canal Authority (ACP).
When integrated with CAT ROT, SafeCaptain provides a more comprehensive and reliable navigation experience. The CAT ROT unit, a compact and portable device, wirelessly transmits real-time vessel data to the captain’s tablet or laptop. During navigation or maneuvering, the captain can access all real-time changing data on a single screen, including the vessel’s speed, course, and rate of course change, surrounding vessels and their movements, approach speed and distance to hazardous areas. This information, processed with graphical images, increases situational awareness, providing the captain with predictive insights.
Deployed on 49 Arkas Vessels
In January, a comprehensive rehearsal of this integrated system was conducted in Türkiye. The test involved a six-hour voyage from Gemlik Port to Derince Port in Kocaeli, allowing for rigorous evaluation of various navigation scenarios, including planned route creation, port approach simulations, and complex berthing maneuvers. The rehearsal confirmed that SafeCaptain is highly effective in overcoming unforeseen challenges.
SafeCaptain has proven to be a comprehensive navigation tool, allowing for real-time integration with existing map data. The system is now in use across 49 vessels within the Arkas fleet.
