IIT Madras Develops SEANAV Platform to Test Autonomous Maritime Navigation

Researchers at IIT Madras have developed SEANAV, a real-time digital twin platform for testing, validating and training autonomous maritime navigation systems. The Department of Ocean Engineering created a virtual maritime environment that simulates ships, sensors, ocean conditions and vessel traffic. The platform aims to make testing less expensive and hazardous than trials in real-world conditions. SEANAV aligns with the government’s Sagarmala Programme and Maritime India Vision 2030. Its multi-vessel simulation capabilities could support coastal surveillance, search-and-rescue operations and maritime defence, while the platform is aimed at improving safety at major Indian ports and navigation strategies.