Tallinn Shipyard launches autonomous water surface cleaning robot
The robot was developed by Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech)
(Source: BLRT)
Tallinn Shipyard, part of BLRT Grupp’s BLRT REPAIR YARDS, has unveiled an autonomous water surface cleaning robot designed specifically for ship repair operations. Developed in partnership with MindChip, a spin-off of Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), the robot is a step forward in the shipyard’s strategic push towards digitalisation and environmental sustainability.
The fully electric MC4000 robot is purpose-built to operate in the challenging conditions of shipyard basins. It features autonomous navigation, real-time sensor-based route adjustment, and is equipped with advanced systems for detecting and removing surface pollutants, including oil skimmers, dispersant units, and SOPEP-based absorption modules. Capable of real-time data collection and predictive maintenance, the system is also modular and ready for future expansion.
“This is only the initial stage of our shipyard’s robotisation, aimed at replacing manual operations and enhancing environmental safety within the framework of a complex heavy industry,” commented Sergei Kravchenko, Chairman of the Management Board of Tallinn Shipyard.
Funded in part by Estonia’s Environmental Investment Centre (KIK), the project demonstrates industrial-research collaboration. As the first such robot in the global ship repair sector, it sets a precedent for greener, smarter, and more efficient maritime operations.
