Project F.A.S.T. was launched with funding from the European EFRO OPZuid programme and focused on testing autonomous sailing technologies in a realistic operational environment. The project served as a testbed for the development and demonstration of systems for remotely controlled, autonomous and unmanned sailing.

Within this project, RH Marine played a key role as a technology partner by supplying and integrating advanced automation and navigation systems, including the Collision Avoidance System (CAS). These systems were essential for testing autonomous manoeuvres, situational awareness and safe autonomous operations. The technology was initially tested on a Damen Stan Patrol vessel and has since been further developed and tested on a Damen Interceptor, enabling the exploration of higher speeds and more complex scenarios.

Although the formal F.A.S.T. project has been completed, Damen Naval and RH Marine are continuing the developments. The insights gained form an important starting point for the further development of autonomous, remote-control and unmanned sailing systems, with a view to future application on, for example, naval vessels and other advanced craft.

Jochem Nonhebel, Damen Naval: “RH Marine played an important role as a research partner in the success of F.A.S.T. Their technological contribution and collaboration were essential in realising the ambitions of this project, and Damen Naval is very grateful for that.”