Both the technology and the regulatory framework are still immature, but the world is now one step closer to autonomous maritime transport. Credit: Jørn Stenersen, Kongsberg Maritime
Uncrewed vessels can navigate themselves and notify operators when they need support from shore-based navigators. However, such ships also require an international regulatory framework. Now, the first version is in place, largely thanks to Norwegian research.
"This is the future of efficient maritime transport, and we are an important step closer to deploying the solution," says Håvard Nordahl, senior research scientist at SINTEF Ocean.
But what is this really about? Imagine ordering a product. It is shipped in a container and loaded onto a vessel along with many other containers. Today, it is common for large cargo ships to have a substantial crew on board. But what if the ship were both remotely operated and largely uncrewed?
First of its kind in the world
