HTX is helping to make next-gen Rapid Response Fire Vessels with autonomous capabilities a reality
A computer rendering of the next-generation FiFi USV. (Photo: HTX)
HTX’s Robotics, Automation & Unmanned Systems (RAUS) Centre of Expertise (CoE) is currently collaborating with ST Engineering to develop and test new capabilities for the next-generation Firefighting (FiFi) Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) with the aim of further advancing the autonomous maritime firefighting and emergency response capabilities of the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).
The new FiFi USV will be equipped with new capabilities and technological advancements, including:
- Enhanced firefighting capabilities with AI hotspot detection
- SONAR for underwater search
- HazMat detectors
- Remote lifebuoy deployment
- Autonomous navigation customised for Singapore’s busy maritime traffic
The plate cutting ceremony for the new FiFi USV took place on 25 November 2024, marking the start of the construction of the vessel.
“The FiFi USV is a testament to the close collaboration between SCDF Marine Division and RAUS CoE in exploring USV technologies to enhance safety and ops effectiveness in a maritime firefighting scenario,” said Ho Choong Chuin, Deputy Director, RAUS CoE.
“We look forward to the continual ops-tech partnership with SCDF Marine Division in expanding the use cases and leveraging integrated cross-domain unmanned solutions to transform maritime emergency response operations in future.”
Lim Nian Hua, Deputy President, ST Engineering Marine Limited (left), and Ryan Ong, Commander Marine Division, SCDF (right) initiate the plate cutting ceremony for the next-generation FiFi USV. (Photo: ST Engineering)
According to LTC Ivan Kwok, Senior Assistant Director, SCDF’s Transformation and Future Technology Department (TFTD), this collaboration with HTX and ST Engineering will validate the feasibility of Unmanned Surface Vessels in enhancing firefighting capabilities in maritime environments.
Once validated, the advanced maritime firefighting and emergency response technologies in the new FiFi USV will be implemented in the SCDF’s next generation Rapid Response Fire Vessel (RFV). The SCDF is expected to receive the next generation RFV in 2029.
“By leveraging autonomous technology, we can significantly improve response times, reduce operational risk, and increase effectiveness in managing maritime incident,” he explained.
The FiFi USV project team. (Photo: ST Engineering)
AC Ryan Ong, Commander, SCDF Marine Division, added: “The USV will provide the next bound of benefits for us to overcome the challenges we currently face. The USV can undertake manpower intensive search and rescue operations, as well as reduce the exposure of our responders to danger in high-risk situations like unknown hazardous materials or explosive threats. The collaboration with HTX represents our collective commitment to an advanced and safer maritime future.”
The first generation FiFi USV in action. (Photo: HTX)
The first version of the FiFi USV, which was showcased at TechXplore 4 in 2022, served as a testbed for first-of-its-kind firefighting capabilities as well as autonomous navigation with Collision Detection and Collision Avoidance (CDCA).