Improving river traffic control using data science and machine learning

Challenge

With various shipping vessels and other watercraft sharing the same waterways, the risk of collisions can lead to devastating consequences. Therefore, closely monitoring watercraft is crucial for enhancing river traffic management and ensuring the safety of everyone navigating the river.

NASH Maritime (part of APEM Group), a consultancy specialising in shipping, navigation, and maritime risk, uses CCTV to monitor vessels and distinguish between various types, from canoes to cruise liners. However, enhancing river safety requires more accurate speed measurements of vessels on the river so that activities such as speeding above the safety limits can be identified.

Approach

NASH Maritime was able to access the Hartree Centre’s expertise in data science and machine learning through an Innovate UK BridgeAI Innovation Voucher that provided £15,000 worth of technical support. Our scientists applied clustering algorithms and other advanced techniques to Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data to map cars on roads. LiDAR uses pulsed light that reflects off surrounding objects to achieve precise 3D positioning of the objects. This LiDAR data on cars was analysed alongside CCTV footage to find the 3D locations of the cars in CCTV images. This method developed for cars can be adapted to detect and monitor waterborne vessels using LiDAR and CCTV data at NASH Maritime, enabling the accurate recording of their speeds on the river.

Benefits

The proof of concept developed by the Hartree Centre has provided the basis for method development specific to NASH Maritime’s CCTV data. This advancement has expedited NASH Maritime’s readiness to accurately determine vessel speeds, which will significantly improve river traffic control. With enhanced river traffic control, NASH Maritime can boost safety on the river by minimising the risks of accidents, preventing the loss of life and other damages that result from unfortunate collisions.

It has been a pleasure to collaborate with the Hartree Centre to deepen our AI knowledge and to accelerate our product and service development.

– Chris Hutchings, NASH Maritime

About the BridgeAI Innovation Vouchers

The Innovate UK BridgeAI Innovation Vouchers led by STFC Hartree Centre, offers £5,000 and £15,000 vouchers which facilitate support from technical experts in data science and AI technologies.

These vouchers can be used for various purposes, including feasibility studies, proof-of-concept projects, and digital roadmap development. 

If your organisation is interested in this opportunity, find out more about how you could benefit from the next round of Innovation Vouchers, opening early 2025: