A fully autonomous roboship? Really?

The fully autonomous merchant ship is making its cautious entrance; the trend of its adoption is increasing and the ship will be with us before too long. 

Technology is already here to support further development, including autonomous navigation systems (GPS, INS); advanced sensor technology (RADAR, AIS, LIDAR, IR camera, high-resolution sonar, wind, and pressure sensors); digital twins; intelligent maintenance; and monitoring and control systems automation. 

With the use of AI in the management of integrated big data platforms (shipping; ports; inland transportation), remaining challenges are being addressed too, including the establishment of advanced Remote Operation Centres (ROCs) in ports. 

However, similarly to the introduction of each and every new technology since the industrial revolution, like that of modern, fully automated, container terminals, the effects on sea-going labour are obvious. Resolving the ‘human challenge’ won’t be easy but nautical schools, academies and universities should already start developing their long-term plans for the ‘cyber-farer’ of the 'roboship'. HH

(open access: https://authors.elsevier.com/sd/article/S0308-597X(24)00482-2)

(I thank my coauthors -see photo- for the excellent and most enjoyable cooperation)