Due to new wave of research into operational efficiency
The first remote-controlled ferry demonstrator could hit the water within four to five years thanks to a new wave of research into operational efficiency based on ship intelligence solutions.
The prediction from Oskar Levander, VP for innovation, engineering & technology at Rolls-Royce Marine in Finland, will be explored at next month’s 40th annual Interferry conference in Copenhagen, where technical innovations will be a central theme of the trade association’s agenda.
Mr Levander will suggest that the maritime industry is at the dawn of an era in which ship intelligence is one of the main technology trends – driving advances such as increased automation, smart controls, robotics, optimisation/decision support tools, equipment/system health management and predictive maintenance schemes.
He believes that ship intelligence will also drive the development of remote control and autonomous solutions, stressing: “Today there is a lot of R&D focus on unmanned airplanes and driverless land-based vehicles and society is becoming more prepared to accept these game-changing solutions. It is only a question of time as to when shipping will follow the same path.“
According to Mr Levander, the first unmanned commercial ships are likely be locally operated vessels since single flag states can permit their operation before international regulations are in place. In his view, ferries would be a prime candidate for early adoption because they operate within a confined area and in addition there is a clear desire to address the crew cost’. He adds that studies indicate most essential technology building blocks are already in place, but practical marine solutions will still require some development efforts.
Source: Interferry