Periodic Reporting for period 1 - LORELEI-X (Long-endurance cooperative Robotic tEchnologies for Localisation of targets during Emergency Incidents – Twinning for eXcellence)
Période du rapport: 2024-10-01 au 2025-12-31
During the reporting period, LORELEI-X focused on implementing its core scientific, technical, and capacity-building activities aimed at strengthening research excellence in autonomous marine vessel design and development. The project responds to the growing need for safer, more reliable, and long-endurance autonomous systems capable of supporting large-scale search and rescue (SAR) and maritime emergency operations across European waters.
LORELEI-X addresses this need through the development and validation pathway of an autonomous carrier vessel designed to deploy micro-UUVs, supported by advanced propulsion control, cyber-resilient and COLREG-compliant navigation, and a remote monitoring framework. Work during the reporting period focused on establishing consolidated system specifications, advancing the structural and hydrodynamic design through CFD simulations across alternative hull concepts, identifying a preliminary optimal hull candidate, and preparing for model-scale validation at NTNU’s towing tank infrastructure.
In parallel, a Joint Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (M6, updated M15) provided a shared roadmap aligning technical development with European priorities in marine robotics and maritime safety. Staff exchanges, targeted training sessions, and collaborative R&I proposal submissions strengthened CMMI’s scientific profile and integration within leading European networks.
Overall, LORELEI-X sets the foundation for technologically robust, scalable, and societally relevant autonomous maritime systems, positioning Cyprus as an emerging contributor to European excellence in marine robotics and maritime safety innovation.
LORELEI-X addresses this need through the development and validation pathway of an autonomous carrier vessel designed to deploy micro-UUVs, supported by advanced propulsion control, cyber-resilient and COLREG-compliant navigation, and a remote monitoring framework. Work during the reporting period focused on establishing consolidated system specifications, advancing the structural and hydrodynamic design through CFD simulations across alternative hull concepts, identifying a preliminary optimal hull candidate, and preparing for model-scale validation at NTNU’s towing tank infrastructure.
In parallel, a Joint Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (M6, updated M15) provided a shared roadmap aligning technical development with European priorities in marine robotics and maritime safety. Staff exchanges, targeted training sessions, and collaborative R&I proposal submissions strengthened CMMI’s scientific profile and integration within leading European networks.
Overall, LORELEI-X sets the foundation for technologically robust, scalable, and societally relevant autonomous maritime systems, positioning Cyprus as an emerging contributor to European excellence in marine robotics and maritime safety innovation.
During the reporting period, LORELEI-X implemented coordinated activities across WP1, WP3, WP5, WP7 and WP9, achieving substantial technical and scientific progress in line with its objectives.
Under WP1 (Project Management), governance structures were operationalised, coordination mechanisms ensured timely implementation of milestones and deliverables, and the Data Management Plan was established to support structured technical development.
Under WP3 (Capacity-building and knowledge transfer), one Joint Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda was delivered (M6) and updated (M15), defining the scientific roadmap and evaluation framework. Four scientific staff exchanges (11 CMMI researchers involved), five scientific training sessions, two external expert trainings, and four administrative staff exchanges were completed. In addition, four targeted roundtables and five joint R&I proposals (one coordinated by CMMI) strengthened research autonomy and institutional capacity.
Under WP5 (R&I implementation), consolidated system specifications (D5.1) were defined and a structured ship design workflow was implemented. CFD simulations across multiple hull configurations were conducted, leading to preliminary identification of the most suitable hull candidate and preparation for model-scale validation at NTNU’s towing tanks. Technical progress was also achieved on fault-tolerant propulsion, COLREG-informed and cyber-resilient navigation, and methodological foundations for the remote monitoring platform.
Under WP7 (Networking) and WP9 (Dissemination and exploitation foundations), scientific visibility was strengthened through conference participation, two accepted OMAE2026 papers, IFAC memberships, brokerage events, and structured clustering activities.
Under WP1 (Project Management), governance structures were operationalised, coordination mechanisms ensured timely implementation of milestones and deliverables, and the Data Management Plan was established to support structured technical development.
Under WP3 (Capacity-building and knowledge transfer), one Joint Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda was delivered (M6) and updated (M15), defining the scientific roadmap and evaluation framework. Four scientific staff exchanges (11 CMMI researchers involved), five scientific training sessions, two external expert trainings, and four administrative staff exchanges were completed. In addition, four targeted roundtables and five joint R&I proposals (one coordinated by CMMI) strengthened research autonomy and institutional capacity.
Under WP5 (R&I implementation), consolidated system specifications (D5.1) were defined and a structured ship design workflow was implemented. CFD simulations across multiple hull configurations were conducted, leading to preliminary identification of the most suitable hull candidate and preparation for model-scale validation at NTNU’s towing tanks. Technical progress was also achieved on fault-tolerant propulsion, COLREG-informed and cyber-resilient navigation, and methodological foundations for the remote monitoring platform.
Under WP7 (Networking) and WP9 (Dissemination and exploitation foundations), scientific visibility was strengthened through conference participation, two accepted OMAE2026 papers, IFAC memberships, brokerage events, and structured clustering activities.
The results generated by LORELEI-X have strong potential to enhance research excellence and technological capability in autonomous marine systems, particularly within a Widening-country context. The project has established a structured scientific roadmap, strengthened institutional capacity, and advanced the technical foundations of a long-endurance autonomous carrier vessel designed for micro-UUV deployment in large-scale search and rescue (SAR) operations.
Technically, the consolidation of system specifications, CFD-based hull optimisation, preliminary identification of a suitable hull candidate, and preparation for model-scale validation provide a solid basis for progression towards integrated system validation at TRL5. Work on fault-tolerant propulsion, cyber-resilient and COLREG-informed navigation, and remote monitoring concepts further supports the development of reliable and scalable autonomous maritime solutions.
At institutional level, capacity-building activities, joint proposal submissions, and strengthened participation in European robotics networks enhance CMMI’s long-term competitiveness and ability to attract follow-up funding and industrial collaboration.
Further uptake will depend on continued technical validation, integrated system demonstration, access to sustained R&I funding, engagement with maritime authorities and industry stakeholders, and supportive regulatory and standardisation frameworks for autonomous maritime operations.
Technically, the consolidation of system specifications, CFD-based hull optimisation, preliminary identification of a suitable hull candidate, and preparation for model-scale validation provide a solid basis for progression towards integrated system validation at TRL5. Work on fault-tolerant propulsion, cyber-resilient and COLREG-informed navigation, and remote monitoring concepts further supports the development of reliable and scalable autonomous maritime solutions.
At institutional level, capacity-building activities, joint proposal submissions, and strengthened participation in European robotics networks enhance CMMI’s long-term competitiveness and ability to attract follow-up funding and industrial collaboration.
Further uptake will depend on continued technical validation, integrated system demonstration, access to sustained R&I funding, engagement with maritime authorities and industry stakeholders, and supportive regulatory and standardisation frameworks for autonomous maritime operations.