Autonomous ships
What is an autonomous ship?
A Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship (MASS) is a ship that has one or more autonomous functions onboard, allowing it to operate independently of human interaction.
However, the term “autonomous ship” remains broad, ranging from remote operation to fully unmanned vessels. These vessels are instead operated using sensors, software and communication systems to navigate, avoid collisions and perform tasks and functions.
To accurately identify autonomous vessels, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has defined four categories of MASS:
Degree one:a ship with automated processes and decision support. Seafarers are on board to operate and control shipboard systems and functions. | Degree two:a remotely controlled ship operated from another location with seafarers on board. |
Degree three:a remotely controlled ship operated from another location without seafarers on board. | Degree four:a fully autonomous ship. The operating system of the ship is able to make decisions and determine actions by itself. |
Currently, the technology and expertise surrounding autonomous shipping is still in the early stages. But as the maritime industry becomes increasingly digitalized and connected, it is imperative for shipowners to understand the potential benefits of MASS.
What are the benefits of autonomous ships?
Autonomous shipping, with its high degrees of automation and enhanced support for decision-making, offers several key benefits:
Reduced operational costs by reducing crew expenses
Increased safety by limiting human error, fatigue and accidents
Improved efficiency and environmental performance by optimizing routes and fuel consumption
As MASS technology continues to evolve, crews will still remain on ships, with automated systems lending increased operational support.
Head of Digital & Autonomous Ships Rules
Bureau Veritas M&O
Autonomy is a complicated concept. However, we cannot ignore that the shipping industry is becoming increasingly digital, with autonomous ships a part of that transition. Over this journey, we will have to contend with two key challenges: ensuring high-quality data to enable autonomous ships to make the right decisions and ensuring adequate connectivity.
What is the difference between autonomy and automation?
Autonomy and automation are closely related, with the distinction between them as follows:
Autonomy: the quality or state of being independent and free from outside control
Automation: the technique or system of operating a process by highly automatic means, such as electronic devices, to reduce human intervention
When it comes to MASS and shipping, Bureau Veritas determines autonomy based on the degree of automation, or the extent to which humans defer decision-making to a system. When the degree of automation is high, system errors will have a greater impact. However, when it is low, human errors are more consequential.
BV identifies four degrees of automation in its NI 641 Guidelines for Autonomous Shipping:
What kind of autonomous ships exist?
To date, only a small segment of the maritime industry has started leveraging the benefits of autonomous ships.
Naval and defense vessels are the predominant group because MASS can be operated remotely, without placing human lives at risk. Unmanned surface vessels (USV), such as
small hydrographic survey ships, can also use autonomous operations for improved ocean mapping and scientific research.
However, limited overall adoption, the industry is seeing an increase in smart ships equipped with automated systems that can be remotely monitored and controlled from shore, rather than fully autonomous vessels.
How is Bureau Veritas supporting the development of autonomous ships?
Dedicated notations and guidelines | Autonomous shipping is an unfamiliar territory for many shipowners. To provide guidance and support, Bureau Veritas published the NI 641 Guidelines for Autonomous Shipping.
These guidelines focus on four key areas:
Additionally, Bureau Veritas has developed SMART notations to define the different levels of ship connectivity – from computer-based ships to fully autonomous vessels. |
Supporting regulatory developments | The technological maturity of autonomous shipping is currently far ahead of the regulatory framework.
One of the biggest regulatory challenges is determining whether a remotely operated ship should be governed by the regulations of the region where the operating center is based or by those of the ship’s flag.
Bureau Veritas has been working with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on this topic for the past ten years, and is involved in a working group established to develop the future Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Code. |
Helping ensure cybersecurity | The International Association of Classification Societies’ (IACS) Unified Requirements (URs) on cybersecurity provide an important foundation for securing today’s vessels. However, the URs will need to be further developed to account for the distinct challenges posed by fully autonomous ships. |
Autonomous ships FAQ
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Will autonomous shipping eliminate crews?
In a word, no. Crews will not be automated out of existence, but autonomous shipping will change the nature of their work. Crews may spend less time at sea and increasingly fill onshore roles in remote operations centers.
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When will autonomous ships be widespread?
For now, fully autonomous vessels are unlikely to become widespread for at least a decade. While the technology exists, the regulatory framework is still evolving and not ready to accommodate fully autonomous operations. Additionally, many companies currently lack the digital expertise needed for the transition.
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Are autonomous ships more sustainable?
Autonomous ships are not necessarily “more sustainable” than others. However, autonomous ships may improve overall operational efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and lowering emissions.
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Can any ship become autonomous?
In theory, many types of ships could operate autonomously. The clearest candidates are vessels operating fixed, short-distance voyages in coastal or inland waters. A vessel’s suitability for autonomous operation also depends on a host of contributing factors, such as cargo, communications infrastructure and regulations.
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How can I ensure cybersecurity on an autonomous ship?
Maintaining cybersecurity on an autonomous ship is the same as any connected vessel: constant vigilance and risk management.
The more connected a vessel is, the wider the potential surface of attack for cyber criminals. Autonomous vessel owners will need a robust strategy for mapping their systems, and assessing, mitigating and managing threats.
