Robot ships: Huge remote controlled vessels are setting sail

[Social Media]

 

The concept of ocean-going ships operating without a crew may seem like something out of science fiction, but it's rapidly becoming a reality, with advancements in technology bringing this vision closer to fruition sooner than many might anticipate.

 

One can witness a glimpse of this future in a Norwegian fjord, where a colossal lime-green vessel is undergoing testing. While it may appear like any other ship at first glance, a closer inspection reveals a plethora of high-tech equipment onboard, including cameras, microphones, radars, GPS, and satellite communications. Colin Field, the head of remote systems at Ocean Infinity (OI), explains that this ship, part of OI's new "Armada" fleet, is specially designed to be "robotic," equipped with advanced technology to operate with minimal human intervention.

 

 

What's striking about these vessels is the significant reduction in onboard personnel. Despite being 78 meters (255 feet) long, the ship accommodates only 16 people, whereas a traditional vessel performing similar tasks would require a crew of 40 or 50. OI aims to further reduce crew numbers by leveraging remote operations from land-based facilities. In their remote operations center in Southampton, operators use gaming-like controls and touch screens to monitor the ship's activities through live streams from onboard cameras and sensors.

 

 

The shift towards autonomy, robotics, and remote operation is not unique to maritime transport. Similar experiments are underway globally across various transport sectors, including electric container ships in Norway, autonomous ferries in Belgium and Japan, and large autonomous container ships in China. These advancements offer numerous advantages, such as reduced fuel consumption, lower carbon emissions, and enhanced safety.

 

 

However, challenges remain in fully replacing onboard crew with autonomous systems. While autopilots have enabled ships to follow predefined paths autonomously, interacting with other vessels, navigating through ports, and handling unforeseen situations or adverse weather conditions pose significant challenges. Nevertheless, researchers and industry experts are optimistic that advancements in technology will lead to safer, more efficient, and sustainable maritime transport in the long run.

 

 

Despite the progress, questions abound regarding the implications of remotely operated and autonomous shipping. Concerns range from the impact on employment and job creation to the security and reliability of the systems. Additionally, regulatory frameworks must evolve to address these technological advancements, with organizations like the International Maritime Organization (IMO) working towards defining best practices and standards for autonomous shipping.

 

As the maritime industry embraces autonomy, companies like OI and Sea-Kit International are at the forefront of this revolution, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in maritime transport. With continued innovation and collaboration between industry stakeholders and regulators, the era of crewless ocean-going ships may not be as far-fetched as it once seemed.

 

08/03.24

Source

 

[thaibeachlovers]

3 minutes ago, Social Media said:

However, challenges remain in fully replacing onboard crew with autonomous systems.

I should hope so. Are they providing an autonomous robot that can rescue people adrift at sea? IMO if a ship passes by a shipwrecked crew adrift, the ship owners would be guilty of breaking a few "laws of the seas".

 

What happens in the event that an incident prevented communication with home base?

IMO some humans are despicable in their desire to make more profit.

[Tug]

Who’s going to keep the tub running when sh!t breaks down as it always does?that one looks like an oil supply vessel don’t know how many folks have had to stern up to a rig to load or off load cargo,it’s an art form requiring experience and expertise not sure a computer can handle that with a sea running 

[retarius]

2 hours ago, Tug said:

Who’s going to keep the tub running when sh!t breaks down as it always does?that one looks like an oil supply vessel don’t know how many folks have had to stern up to a rig to load or off load cargo,it’s an art form requiring experience and expertise not sure a computer can handle that with a sea running 

Good message from an appropriately named poster. 

[quake]

2 hours ago, Tug said:

Who’s going to keep the tub running when sh!t breaks down as it always does?that one looks like an oil supply vessel don’t know how many folks have had to stern up to a rig to load or off load cargo,it’s an art form requiring experience and expertise not sure a computer can handle that with a sea running 

 

Loading cargo ship to ship ( along side), is even more fun.

 

 

[impulse]

Who's going to clean the bird poop off the camera lenses?

 

[Chomper Higgot]

4 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

I should hope so. Are they providing an autonomous robot that can rescue people adrift at sea? IMO if a ship passes by a shipwrecked crew adrift, the ship owners would be guilty of breaking a few "laws of the seas".

 

What happens in the event that an incident prevented communication with home base?

IMO some humans are despicable in their desire to make more profit.

So let me get this right.

 

If a fully crewed ship passed another sinking ship in the middle of the night and nobody on the fully crewed ship was on deck to spot the sinking vessel, the owners of the passing ship are liable?

[Srikcir]

Robot ship meet pirate robot air and sea drones. 

Maybe not sail these robot ships beyond a nation's territorial waters.  

[rovinman]

10 hours ago, Tug said:

Who’s going to keep the tub running when sh!t breaks down as it always does?that one looks like an oil supply vessel don’t know how many folks have had to stern up to a rig to load or off load cargo,it’s an art form requiring experience and expertise not sure a computer can handle that with a sea running 

 

Jupiter Mining Corporation Ship - RED DWARF,    Current Crew, .....4

[digger70]

Robot ships: Huge remote controlled vessels are setting sail

 

Nice one , that's great Less people to Operate/Keep the Tub Floating When  the Auto /Computers go on the fritz And they Will .

Remember Salty Air ,Salt Water Spray, Technical hiccups in the Mega system .

They will have to be able to Switch   Back  to  Manual operating those tubs before they go Bang Or Down.

[EVENKEEL]

On 3/7/2024 at 6:32 PM, Chomper Higgot said:

So let me get this right.

 

If a fully crewed ship passed another sinking ship in the middle of the night and nobody on the fully crewed ship was on deck to spot the sinking vessel, the owners of the passing ship are liable?

In the middle of the night you have a few sailors on the bridge, the rest are below decks. The bridge is the Pilothouse, where the thingy you steer with is.

[Chomper Higgot]

2 hours ago, EVENKEEL said:

In the middle of the night you have a few sailors on the bridge, the rest are below decks. The bridge is the Pilothouse, where the thingy you steer with is.

You are missing the point.

 

There is no liability for not seeing something at sea.

 

 

[radiochaser]

Assuming that the control of the vessel is via satellite comms, it would not take much to jam the signal, overpower what crew is aboard, and take over the ship.