Lamar University Develops $1M AI System for Southeast Texas Waterway Safety

Lamar University is developing a $1 million AI system to enhance safety on Southeast Texas waterways, funded by the Texas Department of Transportation. The project, led by a team of engineers, aims to prevent collisions by providing real-time data on vessel size and movement, addressing inaccuracies in current tracking methods. Expected to be available for Texas ports by 2028, the system will automatically detect barges and notify operators to improve safety measures.

Published Mar 20, 2026

Lamar University is developing a $1 million artificial intelligence system to improve safety on Southeast Texas waterways, funded by the Texas Department of Transportation. The project, led by four engineers, aims to prevent collisions by delivering accurate, real-time data on vessel size and movement.

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This initiative follows incidents like the recent Brooklyn Bridge collision involving a Mexican Navy ship. Current tracking methods are user-dependent, which can lead to inaccuracies. The new AI system will automatically detect the number of barges and notify operators instantly.

Port of Port Arthur officials believe this technology could enhance existing tracking tools and improve safety. The web-based application is expected to be available for Texas ports by 2028.