Robotic ship repair innovation

A recent innovation in ship repair was seen at Tallin Shipyard when it deployed what it claims is the world’s first autonomous water surface cleaning robot

As part of its strategic initiative to digitise production and advance environmental sustainability, Tallinn Shipyard, one of BLRT Repair Yards, owned by BLRT Grupp, in collaboration with MindChip, a spin-off of Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), has successfully developed and implemented an autonomous surface-cleaning robot for industrial use in ship repair operations.

A new generation of autonomous robotics is emerging – this type of robot can be deployed in any port or harbour, not only ensuring water surface cleanliness but also performing a wide range of autonomous operations such as environmental monitoring, data collection, or other custom tasks based on operational needs.

The MC4000 developed by Tallinn Shipyard and MindChip

This is the first and only autonomous robot in the world specifically integrated into ship repair operations- purpose-built to perform reliably in the demanding conditions of a shipyard water basin. At present, it has no equivalent in the global ship repair industry.

“This is only the initial stage of our shipyard’s robotisation, aimed at replacing manual operations and enhancing environmental safety within the framework of a complex heavy industry,” commented Sergei Kravchenko, Chairman of the Management Board of Tallinn Shipyard.

Key functionalities and technical specifications

The robot features a fully autonomous navigation system, allowing it to follow predefined routes within the shipyard basin and adapt them based on real-time sensor data.

Equipped with:

• detection systems for identifying petroleum products on the water surface,
• route correction tools using visual and radar-based input,
• specialised oil skimmer modules for pollution removal in case of emergency,
• a SOPEP-based system for preventive adsorption of pollutants,
• and an automated chemical dispersant unit for breaking down heavy hydrocarbons (including fuel oil and diesel residues).

 Additionally:

• a fully electric vessel, in line with the latest trends in green maritime technology,
• operates reliably in all weather conditions,
• capable of real-time data collection for predictive maintenance and process optimisation,
• supports manual override mode for enhanced flexibility in critical situations,
• plug-in ready, meaning additional modules or systems can be integrated in the future

Strategic significance of the project

This project reflects the broader vision of BLRT Grupp, which continually invests in ship repair yards’ equipment and infrastructure to enhance their capabilities and competitiveness. The focus is on adopting innovative solutions and technologies that align with the evolving needs of the maritime industry,  particularly in fostering sustainability, safety, and efficiency.

The deployment of this robot demonstrates that robotic automation in heavy industry is not only feasible, but also highly effective for advancing sustainability and competitiveness. It stands as a clear example of how collaboration between industry and research can deliver unique, globally relevant solutions. More than a technological breakthrough, it’s a meaningful contribution to the international drive for green ship repair and industrial automation.

Developed with the support of KIK (Environmental Investment Centre) – Estonia’s driving force in green innovation – the MC4000 is a powerful step forward in how we care for our harbours and coastlines.

The MC4000 MindChip control station