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