AUTONOMOUS SHIP TECHNOLOGY - SMART FOR SURE, UNMANNED MAYBE

摘要

This paper gives an introduction to autonomous (possibly unmanned) commercial shipping. The aim of the paper is to give insight into the state of the art of autonomous technologies. It is intended as a rational foundation for speculations on the chances for and nature of future autonomous shipping. A review shows that the vision of unmanned ships is nothing new, just more widely promoted and with better artist visions. Key tasks for unmanned shipping are discussed along with potential solutions and their maturity. Nautical tasks, machinery and cargo supervision do not pose significant hurdles for unmanned shipping. Maintenance tasks have been traditional show-stoppers, but should no longer be a major problem with future LNG powered propulsion and electrical drives (batteries or fuel cells). Communication bandwidth is expected to continue with exponential growth. Non-technical hurdles are the real issue for unmanned ships: society and in particular the maritime community need a change of mind-set to accept unmanned transport; most legal frameworks at IMO and other regulatory bodies would require changes; economics (costs are often underestimated, savings overestimated). However, there is no doubt that autonomous technology will continue to develop, and manned ships equipped with more autonomous technology will be safer and more user-friendly. In time smart ships with a higher degree of autonomy will pave the way technically, economically, and legally for unmanned ships.