Autonomous vessels set to dominate maritime within next decade

Underwater vessels that can pilot themselves will come to dominate maritime activity over the next ten years, according to a report from QinetiQ on the future of autonomous maritime systems.

Written and researched by Lloyd’s Register, QinetiQ and the University of Southampton, the report looks at how technology trends will affect the regulatory and social aspects of how maritime operates.

It considers employment, skills and socio-economic impacts of autonomous systems and suggests that seafarers will require a changing skillset.

Tim Kent, technical director of marine and offshore at Lloyd’s Register, said rapidly developments in autonomous systems provide new opportunities but could also potentially disrupt business models.

Bill Biggs, senior campaign leader for autonomy at QinetiQ, added that rapid and disruptive change is likely to be driven by advances like applied artificial intelligence, low cost low size sensors, increased connectivity, improved cyber security and better energy management.

“Trials already undertaken by navies and transport companies demonstrate the opportunities that autonomous maritime systems present,” he said.

You can download a copy of Global Marine Technology Trends 2030 autonomous systems report at QinetiQ.com/GMTT2030.