Cooperative Autonomous Robotic Towing system: definition of requirements and operating scenarios

The project CART (Cooperative Autonomous Robotic Towing system) proposes a new concept for salvage operations of distressed ships at sea based on the development of robotised unmanned marine platforms able to (semi-)automatically execute the high risk operation of linking the emergency towing system of distressed ships to towing vessels. The CART device will be able to optimize the operations for safeguarding the environment, helping to prevent oil pollution at sea, and minimizing the risk for human lives. This paper presents user requirements and operating scenarios for the development of a prototype system able to support the in-field validation of the proposed concept.