By Dr. Robert Gordon
Program Director, Reverse Logistics Management
Finland has declared that it will introduce autonomous vessels by 2025 as part of its mobility on demand initiative. Although this declaration appears to be a bold statement, it will likely actually happen even sooner.
Start a reverse logistics management degree at American Public University. |
Shipping Needs a Push toward More Automation
Shipping has been behind in technology for a while. However, with just a push, it can move to the forefront of automation.
Navigational systems have been available for years that allow a single person to pilot a vessel. That sounds pretty sophisticated, but when you compare it to new airplanes that can be landed by personnel in the tower, it seems that ships are a little behind in terms of technology.
Autonomous automobiles are practically already available and will become a fact of life in a few years. So it will only be a matter of time before ships will no longer need a local pilot to steer vessels through tricky bodies of water. Alternatively, if one is required, the pilot would be able to control the vessel without ever having to endure the risky maneuver of climbing on board.
Automation Could Increase Pilot Safety
The injury statistics are clear that pilot transfer to board a vessel at sea can be one of the riskiest parts of the job. More pilots are killed while either boarding or departing the vessel than in the performance of their duties.
After all, climbing a tricky pilot ladder in shifting seas can be pretty harrowing. A fall from the ladder can be fatal, although various precautions and safety measures are in place.
It would appear that given the dangerous nature of the operation, remotely operating a vessel would be a safer option. However, the shipping industry is not swift to embrace most new technologies, so there would have to be significant testing and industry acceptance before such a leap of faith could be made.
Acceptance of New Technology in Shipping Will Take Time
Although the safety of the marine pilot is essential, the safety of the ship is paramount. The question that regulators and nations will struggle with will be: Is the new technology safer than the current system? Over time, there is no doubt that it will be shown to be safer.
After all, people are accepting self-driving cars. And recently in the U.S., once “evade and avoid” systems are implemented, delivery drones will become a fact of life.
In the past, technology advanced at a pace that gave governments time to consider various restricting legislation and local laws. Now, technology is moving so fast that both national and international governing bodies are struggling to keep up with the waves of innovation. Clearly, there is a need for faster ways to implement new rules, which will be one of the challenges facing governing maritime bodies in the future.
About the Author
Dr. Robert Gordon is the Program Director of the Reverse Logistics Management, Government Contracting and Acquisition, and Military Management programs at American Public University (APU). APU has an accredited academic program for a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Reverse Logistics.
Comments are closed.