Autonomous Technology: Opportunities And Challenges Faced In Shipping And Transportation

By now the general public is well versed in the continuing development of autonomous vehicles. The media seems to provide stories, almost on a daily basis, on the advances of these self-driving cars and taxis. Perhaps less well known is the progress of technology in shipping vessels which is only just beginning to come to the fore. In this article commercial shipping lawyer, Anastasia Papadopoulou looks at the opportunities and challenges innovation in this area may encounter.

Technological developments in the shipping and logistics sector are ever increasing. Huge investments have been made in the creation of next generation of vessels: unmanned ships, robotics and automation of navigation and propulsion systems, battery-powered ships and futuristic superyachts. Exceptional efforts have also been made into the improvement of interaction with onshore managers, real-time communications, drone-assisted systems that address peril at sea, situational awareness