Navigation safety of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) present an array of advantages that have the potential to address various social issues related to maritime transportation. Toward the realization of MASS, there are institutional studies underway as well as demonstration tests of MASS in various countries. With the introduction of new technologies and systems in MASS, many tasks once carried out by seafarers will now be handled by equipment. It is imperative to demonstrate that these innovations are equally or even more secure than conventional vessels. Because most vessels are used for commercial purposes, MASS also need support from users and must be profitable. This paper discusses the progress of the MASS study, its advantages, and challenges that should be considered when implementing MASS. It also presents the impacts of MASS on the economy, employment, vessel operations, cybersecurity, search and rescue, and human resource development, and outlines the necessary actions to be implemented. Finally, it is proposed that the items to be considered for the MASS to safely navigate are to envision practical operations that take business aspects into account; to ensure that the MASS is equipped with facilities related to accident response and that these can be operated automatically; and to clarify the roles and responsibilities for both humans and systems in operating the MASS.
Author: Yu Nemoto
Institution: Tufts University
Language: English
Subfield: Ocean Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4401790781