Zeabuz Launches Docking Assist System for Workboats

ZeaWatch Docking Assist is designed for workboats in the aquaculture industry. Combining sonar, cameras, 4D radar and GNSS, the system helps operators detect cages, mooring systems and other infrastructure both above and below the water, making maneuvering safer and reducing the risk of damage and costly downtime. 

Each year, workboats operating at fish farms risk collisions with anchor chains, nets, mooring systems and other infrastructure hidden beneath the surface. Such incidents can lead to damage, repairs and downtime. ZeaWatch Docking Assist is designed to give operators a clearer picture of what is happening around the vessel and reduce that risk.

The solution combines sonar, cameras, 4D radar and GNSS with object-detection algorithms. Sensor data is brought together in ZeaWatch to create a real-time view of the vessel's surroundings, including objects that would normally be invisible to the crew below the waterline. The operator sees nearby objects, distances and warning zones through a single interface, giving additional support during approaches, docking, reversing and other close-quarter operations around aquaculture facilities.

The development builds on an existing collaboration between Zeabuz and Damen Folla. The companies previously worked together on ZeaFalcon, a seven-meter HDPE vessel equipped with a Zeabuz autonomy system that supports autonomous navigation, collision avoidance, remote command and control and autodocking.