Innovating Autonomy for Lean Crewing

Challenge 1

Challenge #1: Innovating Autonomy for Lean Crewing

Naval ships face challenges in adopting lean crewing models that are common in commercial marine fleets. These challenges stem from the need for greater redundancy, flexible human resources, and a cautious approach to risk during emergencies. Additionally, Shipping Certification Bureaus issue directives, guidance, and regulations, particularly for remote systems, to ensure that ships maintain certification and remain mission-ready.

Naval Technology Innovation Challenges introduce and test advanced technologies with strong commercial potential, evaluating the benefits and suitability of these solutions for Thales’ naval customers.

This challenge is intentionally broad to maximize opportunities for innovative technologies that benefit ships and their crews, facilitating lean manning. Known areas of lean crewing technologies include, but are not limited to:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Intelligent Systems (IS)
• Damage assessment and reporting
• Defect search and diagnosis
• Traverse handling systems for moving high-volume stores
• Unattended spaces
• Initial action responders (firefighting, leak repair, casualties)
• Remote operation (valves, vents, hatches, etc.)
• Remote ’rounds’ – monitoring multiple equipment parameters such as visual, noise, smell, and vibration indicators
• Fixed firefighting systems
• Intelligent compilation of the ship’s logs
• Bridge assistants and automated announcements
• Tank dips and inspections
• Enhanced management/conservation of machinery to improve intervals between failures or maintenance needs

Criteria for Viable Lean Crewing Technologies:

To effectively support lean crewing in naval fleets, proposed solutions must go beyond theory; they must be practical, resilient, and purpose-built for the realities of life at sea.

Proposals should envision the following benefits:

• Improved human safety
• Reduced human error
• Lower equipment/ship operating risk
• Enhanced confidence and functionality of ship equipment

Successful proposals should:

• Demonstrate Maritime Readiness: Design solutions specifically for the unique demands of the maritime environment and ensure they integrate seamlessly aboard naval vessels
• Operate Offline: Ensure systems function reliably without continuous internet access, cloud services, or external connectivity
• Be Deployable Within Two Years: Present a clear plan to achieve readiness for deployment aboard Canadian ships within two years of the challenge’s conclusion

Additional Considerations:

• Propose technologies at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or higher
• The solution must have the potential to be a viable solution
• Navigating regulatory hurdles, such as shipping code compliance, must be demonstrated in the proposal
• Bidders should demonstrate awareness of government security and clearance requirements, including associated timelines if the exchange of engineering data is necessary

Thales’ Goals

This initiative aligns with Thales’ ambition to:

• Lead Innovation in AJISS: Strengthen the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) and Joint Support Ships (JSS), also known as AJISS, programs through advanced technology integration
• Leverage SME Agility: Tap into the unique speed, creativity, and ecosystem advantages of start-ups and SMEs, especially in Atlantic Canada
• Accelerate the AJISS Roadmap: Position successful solutions for integration via a Value Engineering Change Proposal submitted to AJISS stakeholders

Rules & Requirements

Eligible applicants may submit one proposal per challenge in either English or French.

All applications must include the following components:

• Solution Description and Impact: A clear explanation of the proposed solution, including its practical implications and anticipated benefits
• Novelty of the Innovation: A discussion of how the solution is unique or significantly advances the state of the art
• Organizational Capability and Resources: Summary of team expertise, infrastructure, and access to necessary resources
• Relevant Technological Experience: Demonstrated experience with technologies or methodologies pertinent to the proposed solution
• Level of Innovation: Assessment of the innovation’s ambition, originality, and transformative potential
• Technology Development Roadmap: Outline of the current development status and a forward-looking plan toward full commercialization, including key milestones

Eligibility

The Naval Technology Innovation Challenge is Pan-Atlantic in scope and open to commercial and non-commercial organizations.

The challenge is open to:

• Incorporated businesses in Atlantic Canada
• SMEs, as well as Indigenous organizations
• Post-secondary institutions and other organizations can apply only if they partner with an SME or Indigenous organization

Evaluation Process

A selection panel will review applications using a weighted scoring system across the following categories:

• Solution fit: 25%
• Impact: 20%
• Expertise: 15%
• Resources: 25%
• Innovation: 5%
• Timeline: 10%

The panel includes representatives from COVE, Thales, the National Research Council, and an industry partner. After the application period closes, each panel member will independently evaluate submissions using a standardized scoring package.

Once scoring is complete, the panel will convene to review the results and select the winning company. Before making any public announcement, the panel will notify the selected applicant. COVE will then coordinate with the winner to manage communications.

Note: The selected company must submit financial statements before the final announcement.

Submit Application