Model of the life cycle of an automated tugboat in the system of autonomous ship guiding and mooring in a seaport

This paper presents a conceptual life cycle model of an automated tugboat (AT) operating within a system that provides autonomous ship guiding and mooring in a seaport. Existing approaches to modeling the life cycle of technical systems are analyzed, with particular attention to the specific features of autonomous maritime vessels. Special emphasis is placed on the operational phase, which fundamentally differs from that of conventional tugboats due to the absence of an onboard crew and fully automated operation. Six core systems ensuring AT functionality are identified: the automatic navigation system, situational awareness system, technical systems control and monitoring system, communication system, propulsion system, power supply system, and rigid coupling systems designed for connection with both transport vessels and other automated tugboats. Five main measures for ensuring failure-free operation are defined: preventive maintenance, operability monitoring, functional testing, predictive maintenance, and corrective maintenance. Based on an analysis of six possible operational states of ATs — readiness, active operation, standby, emergency, recovery, and charging — the study establishes dependencies between these states and permissible maintenance activities. A generalized conceptual life cycle model of the automated tugboat is proposed, aimed at improving reliability and safety during autonomous port operations. The results can be applied in the design, operation, and certification of autonomous tugboats and may support the development of standards and regulations for autonomous maritime systems.

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