Page 88 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - MARTIOS 2023

SMART SHIPPING / RESEARCH

Graph 9 "Ηow likely do you consider the implementation of fully autonomous navigation in merchant ships, in the near future?"

Unlikely Rather Doubtful Likely Extremely
unlikely likely

IT’S UP TO US TO NAVIGATE THIS ISSUE

19% 29% 35% 9% 8%

THE LIKELIHOOD OF FULLY AUTONOMOUS regulatory framework of international organisa-
NAVIGATION IN THE FUTURE tions, 22% think that achieving fully autonomous There is a f ine line that separates
Advances in technology raise many questions navigation is likely or extremely likely. Conse- leaders from executives.
about the shipping industry’s future, most of quently, 78% believe it is a doubtful/unlikely/
which are related to whether digitalisation will rather unlikely development, which is probably
lead to autonomous merchant ships and, if so, to linked to their belief that there has been little
what extent. Although a part of the ship’s opera- progress in the regulatory framework introduced
tions does take place without human intervention, by international organisations. Furthermore, it
fully autonomous navigation is a complex matter appears that regulatory unpreparedness regard-
that greatly depends on external factors, such ing cybersecurity makes the achievement of
as the protection of remotely controlled systems autonomous navigation on merchant ships even
from cyber-attacks. more doubtful.
The survey’s participants do not seem to con-
sider fully autonomous navigation on merchant SUMMARY
ships particularly likely: almost one in two (48%) This survey posed focused questions towards
answered that they think it is unlikely or rather shipping industry representatives regarding
unlikely. Fewer than one in five (17%) said it was the digitalisation of shipping and its possible
likely or extremely likely. benefits. Overall, investing in connectivity and
At the same time, a significant percentage data analytics technologies appears to be a
remains uncertain about the future; for exam- high priority for most participants due to the
ple, more than one in three respondents (35%) many benefits they can provide in terms of
answered that achieving fully autonomous mer- improving performance and enhancing safety,
chant ships is doubtful. but also diagnosing, preventing, and dealing
It is noted that the participants’ answers varied with damage. At the same time, digitalisation
depending on whether they agreed or disagreed does not appear to be a threat to the crews’
with the statement: “International organisations role but an opportunity for their career devel-
have developed an adequate regulatory frame- opment and improving working conditions on
work and provide sufficient information to pro- board. Finally, for the majority of the survey
tect shipping companies from cyber threats”. participants, fully autonomous navigation
Of those who agreed with the statement, only appears to be an unattainable goal for the
10% (vs the entire sample’s 17%) consider fully time being. Moreover, a large percentage also
autonomous navigation in the future likely or believes that the current regulatory framework
extremely likely. does not provide sufficient information on the
On the other hand, of the participants who protection of shipping companies from cyber
believed that there had been little progress in the threats.

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