Combat Support Ship Asterix to be Fitted with Onboard Vegetable Farm
OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 9, 2024 /CNW/ - Federal Fleet Services has announced the acquisition of four AI-based Virtual Agronomist systems to grow and harvest fresh vegetables onboard Combat Support Ship Asterix. This pioneering technology, provided by Agwa, is set to revolutionize the availability of fresh produce during extended deployments at sea.
The Agwa system utilizes cutting-edge AI to create fully autonomous onboard vegetable growers. With three primary data branches—Image Analyzer, Sensory Data, and Consumer Behavior—the system's Virtual Agronomist continuously adjusts growth plans in real time to ensure optimal conditions for vegetable cultivation.
Installation of the system is scheduled to take place during September.
John Schmidt, CEO of Federal Fleet Services, emphasized the significance of this advancement: "We are continuously striving to provide the best working and living conditions for our combined Federal Fleet and Royal Canadian Navy team onboard. Fresh leafy greens have a shelf life of around seven days, and our deployments offshore can be several weeks, so being able to grow our own onboard, available at any time, is a real game-changer. Who knows, maybe we will grow enough to be able to replenish other ships with fresh produce grown onboard Asterix."
Eli Feiglin, Chief Commercial Officer of Agwa, likened the system to a coffee capsule machine: "The system is comparable to a coffee capsule machine with seed pods being inserted, and the AI systems control the rest. All the crew has to do is pick it. The system is very much suited to ships spending long periods at sea like naval vessels so we are proud to be working with Federal Fleet Services on this project."
Alex Vicefield, CEO of Inocea Group, which owns Federal Fleet Services, added, "This is another example of where we are investing our own funds in technologies that are useful, pioneering, and contribute to the well-being and safety of the crew and vessel. Other recent examples include the installation of Starlink high-speed unlimited internet and the MARSS NiDAR Multidomain Command and Control System."
This initiative marks a significant step in enhancing sustainability and self-sufficiency for naval operations, ensuring that fresh produce is readily available for the crew, regardless of deployment duration.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
About Federal Fleet Services
Federal Fleet Services supports military, government and humanitarian operations through the construction, ownership, servicing and management of complex, mission-critical ships. Federal Fleet Services is the Canadian At-Sea Support Services Provider, providing a fully operated Naval Support Ship for the Royal Canadian Navy from 2017. Federal Fleet Services is part of the Inocea Group of Companies which also owns Davie Shipbuilding Canada's largest and highest capacity shipbuilder as well as Helsinki Shipyard, the world leader in icebreaker construction.
About Agwa
Agwa is leading the maritime industry with a groundbreaking solution. The fully autonomous onboard vegetable grower utilizes advanced AI and consumer behavior science to deliver fresh vegetables with minimal effort from the user. The 'Virtual Agronomist,' using Image Analyzer, Sensory Data, and Consumer Behavior, ensures real-time growth plans for optimal produce quality. The Agwa app provides instant updates on vegetable status and growth, guaranteeing a steady supply of fresh produce. Agwa's innovative technology is used on hundreds of vessels, satisfying leading shipping companies around the world. The expanding global presence reflects a commitment to enhancing crew well-being and revolutionizing life at sea.
SOURCE Federal Fleet Services
Paul Barrett, Chief Communications Officer, Inocea Group, Tel : +1 418 837 584, [email protected]
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