Can AI make ships safer? IIT Madras develops virtual platform for autonomous navigation

IIT Madras researchers have developed a real-time digital twin platform to support the testing, validation and training of autonomous maritime navigation systems in simulated ocean environments.

Named SEANAV, the platform creates realistic virtual maritime conditions in which ships, sensors, ocean movements and vessel traffic can be replicated and monitored in real time.

The technology has been developed by the Department of Ocean Engineering at IIT Madras. According to an institutional release issued, the platform addresses a major technological challenge in the global shipping industry, which transports more than 80% of world trade.

Although autonomous vessels are expected to make maritime transportation safer and more efficient, developing and testing their navigation algorithms in actual sea conditions involves considerable costs and operational complexities. Such trials can also expose vessels and personnel to potential hazards.

SEANAV aims to overcome these limitations by providing a high-fidelity virtual environment. Researchers and developers can use the platform to test navigation technologies under different maritime conditions without depending entirely on real-world trials.

The system also supports the development and assessment of autonomous navigation capabilities through simulated interactions between multiple vessels, onboard sensors and changing ocean conditions.

The initiative aligns with the Government of India's Sagarmala Programme and Maritime India Vision 2030. Both initiatives emphasize the adoption of smart port infrastructure, digital technologies and autonomous maritime systems.

Beyond commercial shipping, SEANAV's ability to simulate multiple vessels could support several other maritime applications. These include coastal surveillance, search-and-rescue missions and maritime defense operations.

IIT Madras develops digital twin platform for autonomous ships

Explaining the research objectives and technological capabilities of the platform, Dr. Suresh Rajendran, associate professor in the Department of Ocean Engineering at IIT Madras, said, “SEANAV provides a realistic and scalable platform for developing and validating autonomous maritime navigation technologies. By combining digital twins, AI, advanced sensor fusion, and virtual reality, we are creating an environment where both autonomous systems and human operators can be trained safely and efficiently before deployment in real-world maritime settings.”

The platform is also being positioned as a potential tool for improving navigation safety at major Indian ports. These include Chennai, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam and Kochi.

Discussing its present capabilities and possible applications in actual maritime operations, Dr Suresh Rajendran added, “The platform can also strengthen safety at major Indian ports, including Chennai, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam and Kochi, by supporting the development of AI-assisted navigation systems capable of reducing collision and grounding risks. Smarter navigation strategies can further help reduce fuel consumption, lower carbon emissions and minimise the risk of environmental accidents such as oil spills.”

According to the researcher, AI-assisted navigation technologies developed and tested through the platform could help address risks associated with vessel collisions and groundings. Improved navigation strategies may also contribute to more efficient fuel use and lower carbon emissions.

The technology could further help reduce the possibility of maritime environmental incidents, including oil spills, by supporting safer vessel movements and navigation decisions.

SEANAV uses Unity3D to replicate real-world maritime conditions

The digital twin platform has been developed using the Unity3D engine, which allows it to reproduce different aspects of the maritime environment within a virtual setting.

Its simulation capabilities include ocean waves, vessel movements and navigation conditions. Ships, sensors and surrounding maritime traffic can also be represented to create an environment for testing autonomous navigation systems.

To improve the accuracy of its simulations, the researchers calibrated the platform using a benchmark tanker vessel measuring approximately 320 meters in length.

This calibration allows the outcomes produced in the virtual environment to closely correspond with the operating conditions of commercial shipping vessels. It also provides a reference for assessing how autonomous navigation technologies may perform in real maritime settings.

Through its combination of digital twin technology, artificial intelligence, sensor fusion and virtual reality, SEANAV provides a platform for developing and evaluating maritime navigation systems before their deployment at sea.