IIT Madras has developed a new technology that could improve ship safety and maritime training in India. Researchers have introduced a digital platform called SEANAV, which allows maritime professionals to practise ship navigation in realistic virtual ocean conditions without going into the actual sea.
The platform has been developed by the Department of Ocean Engineering at IIT Madras. It uses advanced technology to recreate ocean waves, ship movements, weather conditions and busy shipping routes. This allows researchers and trainees to understand how ships behave in difficult situations.
SEANAV uses artificial intelligence, virtual reality and advanced sensors to create a realistic training environment. It can simulate challenging situations such as heavy rain, fog, poor visibility and crowded waterways. It also helps autonomous ships learn how to avoid collisions with other vessels. The platform has been designed to make testing safer and less expensive because testing new navigation systems in real oceans can be risky and costly. It also allows multiple ships to operate together in the same virtual environment.
According to IIT Madras researchers, this technology could improve safety at major Indian ports such as Chennai, Mumbai, Kochi and Visakhapatnam. It may also support rescue operations, coastal security and maritime defence. This development is an important step towards smarter shipping technology in India. It could help train skilled professionals, reduce accidents and make future shipping operations safer and more efficient.
