What impact will autonomous ships have on ports? 

As the maritime world embraces the dawn of automated and remotely operated ships, the industry finds itself embroiled in a captivating debate, ignited by the promise of cutting-edge technology and the pursuit of enhanced navigation safety.

Automated vessels herald a new era, promising a myriad of benefits including heightened safety and efficiency, and cost-effectiveness throughout their operational lifetime despite potential higher initial construction costs. With a keen eye on reducing accidents caused by human error, these ships are poised to redefine the maritime realm. 

Some of the most recent developments in the autonomous shipping world include the launch of Hyundai Mipo Dockyard’s inaugural autonomous container ship, Force Singapore, marking South Korea’s entry into autonomous operations. 

The ship will undergo rigorous testing to validate core technologies like intelligent navigation and engine automation systems developed in Korea. Force Singapore is scheduled to carry out long-distance international demonstrations later this year.

On the other hand, the Scandinavian logistics group ASKO Maritime has been operating its autonomous battery-powered ferries, Marit and Therese, in Oslo Fjord, Norway, for almost two years. 

The duo was delivered to ASKO in September 2022, and since then they have been sailing with a reduced crew.

During a testing period of about two years, they are expected to gradually build up their autonomous capability. Finally, the two ships are expected to be granted the green light for fully unmanned operations during 2024.

However, whenever autonomous ships are mentioned concerns are raised by the seafarer community about ship maintenance and parts replacement, casting a shadow on the concept of completely autonomous operation.

Be that as it may, there haven‘t been many discussions regarding the potential implications of autonomous ships for port operations.

WorldCargo News had an insightful conversation with Captain Hemant Gupta, Principal Consultant at Drewry Maritime Advisors, and leader of the ESG advisory team, shedding light on the potential impact of automated ships on port operations and handling equipment.

Gupta emphasizes that initial developments in autonomous shipping are expected to focus on short sea voyages along fixed routes, with vessels remotely operated from shore stations rather than being fully autonomous. To accommodate these autonomous vessels, ports will have to invest in several key areas.

 This includes the development of berths with auto-mooring systems, the implementation of remote pilotage capabilities, and the establishment of connections between tugboats and vessels near the port. 

Additionally, Gupta noted the potential need for battery charging facilities for vessels with battery-driven propulsion systems.

“Close collaboration among vessel owners, port authorities, pilotage service providers, tugboat operators, and remote operations centers will be crucial in adapting port infrastructure to accommodate autonomous ships,” Gupta emphasized, stressing the importance of a collaborative approach to investment in port infrastructure development. 

“For cargo operations, container vessels are relatively easier, as stowage plan is presently being made ashore and unitised cargo reduces the complexity in monitoring cargo,” Gupta noted, adding that duty officers will still be required to monitor/supervise the cargo operations.

While container operations may see relatively fewer challenges, dry bulk cargo operations present additional complexities. These include the need for ballasting/deballasting, stowage/loading plans, and close supervision to maximize vessel capacity.

Gupta underscores that senior officers or Port Captains will play a crucial role in supervising dry bulk cargo operations, particularly for cargoes like steel that require meticulous attention. 

“If the dry bulk vessel is expected to load another cargo after completion of discharging of the present cargo, the port will need to have shore hold cleaning labour available, to have the holds washed and cleaned for the next port. Hence, such facilities will be required for dry bulk vessels,” Gupta concluded.