One Sea coordinator DIMECC and the European Space Agency signed a Memorandum of Intent, aiming to bring together leading exponents of autonomous ship technology. The agreement aspires to encourage the development of space-based applications to analyse, enable and deploy maritime digitalisation and autonomy using latest generation connectivity.
In 2018, the Shipowners’ Club launched a dedicated autonomous vessel P&I policy. The Club consulted owners, operators and manufacturers of autonomous ships to make sure it had the right cover in place so that operators can focus on their operations knowing they are appropriately covered if anything should go wrong.
The IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) held its 101st session from June 5 to 14, 2019. After its conclusion, the meeting decided on many important issues during this session. Among others, these include fuel quality and safety, maritime autonomous surface ships, and the approval and adoption of various instruments.
International maritime regulators expect that the establishment of safety rules for autonomous ships will be a lengthy process, despite the fact that researchers have advanced relevant technology, saying that robot ships could be a reality in the oceans in the next few years.
The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) is meeting for its 101st session. Its agenda is including maritime autonomous surface ships, polar shipping, and goal-based standards among other agenda items. Numerous draft amendments will be adopted, regarding dangerous cargo, autonomous ships, polar shipping and fuel oil safety.
As emerging technologies are enhancing ship routing, navigation is getting faster and safer, while there are new possibilities for mega-container ships and fully autonomous ships to sail the high seas in the coming future. Ship routing has been steadily improving, as the shipping industry successfully mitigates several issues.
Massterly, a ship manager who will operate unmanned vessels via a manned Shore Control Center builds, aspires to see a more sustainable maritime transportation. The unmanned ships will be 100% electrically powered and the battery will be charged when the ship is at shore.
According to One Sea’s press release, three major industry players joined One Sea boosting the future of autonomous ship technology in the maritime sector. Specifically, Inmarsat and MIT (Monohakobi Technology Institute) joined One Sea as full members, whereas RINA, the Royal Institution of Naval Architects, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to become an associate member.
During his speech at Nor-Shipping 2019, IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim delivered a strong reminder regarding the ever-increasing importance of balanced and sustainable development. Mr. Lim also highlighted moves to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping industry.
The European Commission announced its plan on financing autonomous shipping in European waters. AUTOSHIP will construct and operate two remote and autonomous vessels and the required shore control and operation infrastructure, reaching and going over TRL7.
