traffic will still require a lot of work and also the modification of existing IMO regulations. Smaller-scale local pilot projects will be the next step.”
According to Mr. Karvonen, fully automated ocean-going ships might perhaps become a reality in the 2030s.
” Unmanned and remote-controlled cargo ships for shorter routes are becoming feasible sooner. Such ships would be economic as they might be lightweight, with less need for crew quarters. There would be more space for transporting commercial cargo.”
Shore control centres could be utilised for adjusting route coordinates and for troubleshooting as necessary. Operator displays would show, for example, shipspecific data and live onboard video signals.
” Today’ s sailors may become tomorrow’ s shore controllers. The workforce will benefit from more regular working hours and land-based work environments, but the new work roles present also some challenges,” Karvonen assumes.
In any case, satellite communication systems between ships and control centres need to be able to transmit data rapidly and reliably. n
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Today’ s sailors may become tomorrow’ s shore controllers.
16 seatec 2 / 2017