An integrated system to protect commercial ships against piracy has been unveiled by a European consortium coordinated by Sagem.
The system from Autoprotection is called BlueDome, a graduated non-lethal solution that features several successive barriers to protect ships during all attack phases.
The system, which allows for long-range detection of small craft, analyzes behavior of suspect craft, identifies them using a day/night optronic turret and implements remote deterrents — light projectors and acoustic devices — and anti-boarding measures, such as water cannons and smoke grenades.
"BlueDome automatically analyzes the situation and manages all systems and devices," Sagem said. "Using an intuitive, user-friendly interface, it allows the crew to monitor the situation and approve recommended actions from a tablet.
"BlueDome also supports the remote operation of sensors and effectors from a secure area on the bridge or anywhere else on the ship."
The system was introduced at the Euromaritime trade show in Paris, France.
Members of the Sagem-led consortium are Amefo, Bureau Veritas, Eca Group, Ecole Nationale Supérieure Maritime, Lacroix, Sofresud, SeaOwl and Thales.
