By Chris Cooper and Kiyotaka Matsuda (Bloomberg) -- Japan’s largest container line plans to test a remote-controlled vessel across the Pacific Ocean in 2019 as it pursues fully autonomous technology that could disrupt the global shipping industry. Nippon Yusen K.K. is considering using a large container ship for the test from Japan to North America and a crew will be on … [Read more...]
ABS Joins Alliance Developing Unmanned Cargo Ship
The American Bureau of Shipping has joined a China-led alliance whose goal is to develop and deliver an unmanned, autonomous cargo ship by the end of 2021. ABS, a leading classification society to the maritime and offshore industry, announced Wednesday it will become a member of the Unmanned Cargo Ship Development Alliance to work with industry partners, including class … [Read more...]
Finnish Shipowner to Test Autonomous Cargo Handling Technology Aboard LNG-Powered Bulk Carriers
Finnish shipowner ESL Shipping is set to begin testing autonomous cargo discharging technology on board two new LNG-powered handysize bulkers that are due for delivery next year. ESL has been jointly developed the technology with cargo handling specialist MacGregor, who will provide the vessels' three electro-hydraulic cranes. The companies say the autonomous discharging … [Read more...]
World’s First Remotely-Controlled Commercial Vessel Put to the Test in Copenhagen
Rolls-Royce and global towage operator Svitzer have demonstrated what is believed to be the world's first remotely operated commercial vessel, Svitzer Hermod, in Copenhagen, Denmark, Rolls-Royce said Tuesday. During the demonstration earlier this year, the 28-meter-long tugboat safely conducted a number maneuvers in Copenhagen harbor while controlled by a Captain … [Read more...]
Ship Automation Without Consultation – The Problem With Robot Ships
By Capt. George H Livingstone, “Promise Everything, Deliver Nothing” Napoleon Bonaparte There is an ongoing “full court press” regarding the subject of automation in marine transportation. In the last year gCaptain alone has seen many articles on the subject; Rolls-Royce’s automated ships, automated tug boats, etc. Recently there have seen several more, … [Read more...]
Lloyd’s Register Announces New Code to Certify Unmanned Ships
International classification society Lloyd's Register has launched a new code to meet the growing demand for regulatory support for unmanned ships in the marine industry. Lloyd's Register describes its Unmanned Marine Systems Code as a goal-based code that takes a structured approach to the assessment of unmanned marine systems (UMS) against a set of safety and operational … [Read more...]
The Electric, Driverless Revolution Is About to Hit the High Seas
By Jessica Shankleman (Bloomberg) -- It’s not just in Google laboratories that the revolution in electric, driverless transportation is gathering pace: a Norwegian shipping company is aiming to be able to deliver cargoes by sea on unmanned vessels from 2020. The fully electric, zero emissions YARA Birkeland will set sail next year in Europe, Oslo-based Yara International ASA … [Read more...]