Gothenburg, Sweden – the June stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race – was the scene for a live demonstration of the self-docking system. A 68-foot launch fitted with the technology skillfully maneuvered itself into the tightest of spaces between two of the Volvo Ocean Race 65 racing yachts.
The pioneering technology is the latest in the company’s ongoing ‘Easy Boating’ philosophy to make boating simple, enjoyable and accessible to more people.

At its heart is the joystick-controlled Inboard Performance System (IPS), a complete, integrated propulsion system – from the helm station, via the engine, all the way to the propellers.

Narrow berths, changing wind and sea conditions and congested marinas will all soon be less of a challenge when docking. Thanks to the responsiveness of the IPS system, coupled with sensors and advanced navigation processing power, the system helps get the boat into the dock easily and safely. It also helps with leaving the dock.

The automated docking capability uses an onboard electronic vessel control system (EVC). It computes steering and drive calculations in relation to the boat’s actual position, and four sensors located at the intended berth.

“Docking,” says Björn Ingemanson, President of Volvo Penta, “is one of the most challenging boat handling manoeuvres – getting it wrong can be embarrassing and expensive.

“This new self-docking feature uses sensors and onboard computers to react in milliseconds to changing wind and sea conditions.
“It constantly makes micro adjustments in power and steering angle of the IPS drive to keep the boat on its intended course. If necessary, the docking process can be paused, and the system will hold the boat stationary in the water.”

How it works
Automating the docking process involves three distinct phases. First, as the boat nears its berth, the system recognises that it has entered a ‘catch zone’ and sends out a signal to the captain that it is ready to dock.

Once the skipper activates the self-docking function, the boat is (aided by GPS) automatically moved into a ‘docking ready’ position. When he initiates the final stage, the system uses a combination of GPS and sensors – both those fitted onboard and on the destination dock – to automatically move the boat.

“We have long had the ambition to make docking as easy as possible,” says Johan Inden, Chief Technology Officer at Volvo Penta.
“The first step towards this was in 2006, with the launch of our joystick docking technology. This was followed by the Dynamic Positioning System, which automatically maintains a boat’s heading and position, even in strong currents or windy conditions – ideal when preparing for docking. Now, we are taking the next important step by enabling the boat to dock itself.”

Upgrade option
The new technology will also be available as a retrofit version – something that would make it an attractive upgrade to thousands of boat owners.
The initial focus for Volvo Penta’s self-docking system will be individuals who can install the system on their own private docks. Longer term, it is believed the technology will be of considerable interest to harbours and marinas, allowing IPS-equipped boats fitted with the system to dock in complete safety and accuracy.

A future scenario for the self-docking system is that it could be integrated with Volvo Penta’s Easy Connect App. The App could allow users to check if the nearest marina is equipped with the appropriate self-docking technology – or even perhaps use it to secure a parking space.