The Autonomous Shipping Era. Operational, Regulatory, and Quality Challenges

ABSTRACT: The article provides a description of the Autonomous ship, studies existing relevant projects, and examines the related Operational, Regulatory, and Quality assurance challenges raised due to the development and actual deployment of such vessels in the near future. After reviewing the main operational procedures, existing regulations, and quality assurance standards, a number of possible solutions and approaches to overcome the identified challenges are indicated. Some of the conclusions may be used not only in the Autonomous ships but also in traditionally manned vessels.

KEYWORDS: Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Autonomous Ship, MUNIN Project, Autonomous Shipping Era, Operational Challenges, Regulatory Challenges, Quality Challenges, International Standardization

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Citation note:

Komianos A.: The Autonomous Shipping Era. Operational, Regulatory, and Quality Challenges. TransNav, the International Journal on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation, Vol. 12, No. 2, doi:10.12716/1001.12.02.15, pp. 335-348, 2018

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