Rise of the TOWBoTs

摘要

Even at this early stage of marine drone technology adoption, two key drivers have emerged as the most significant impetus for the development of remote-controlled, unmanned vessels. The first, which has especially captured the imagination of the small ferry sector (see page 46), is related to achieving a reduction or re-utilisation of onboard manpower; the second, more commonly demonstrated by operators of naval, patrol and SAR craft, involves shielding human crew from risk and injury when undertaking dangerous or dirty tasks. Obviously, these drivers are not mutually exclusive - for instance, as remote-controlled and autonomous ship tech eventually spreads to the larger, ocean-going vessel sectors, both factors will be welcomed for their ability to boost health and safety management whilst driving down costs. And there is no doubt that the ferry sector would be loath to sacrifice health and safety considerations for the sake of a few extra bucks.