ABB released a report analyzing how today’s ships can occasionally sail the oceans with unmanned bridges. The report says that current technology may be able to provide the necessary framework, under which unmanned bridges can become a reality.
The recent development in sensor technology, data analytics and computing power can increase automation in ship navigation, steering and control. As a basic definition an autonomous vessel is not necessary unmanned but an unmanned vessel is, by default, autonomous to a high degree.
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However, a clear difference between the technical readiness and capability of the vessel versus the status of usage of the vessel at any given time, is very important. In certain conditions, the crew onboard may be given the opportunity to change vessel operation from crew to machine operated.
ABB noted that the regulations requiring a watch-keeper on the bridge at all times can be achieved by using cameras, audio sensing and an automatic radio watch to detect any emergency calls.
Moreover, according to the report, the reduced workload will play an important role in reducing fatigue and increasing performance.
See more information in the PDF herebelow
