The first prototype of a fully autonomous ship could be a reality by 2015, and they could be commonplace by 2035, according to recent research conducted by DNV GL. The organisation has developed the concept of the ‘connected ship’ to describe the convergence of real time data transmission, high computing capacity, mathematical modelling, remote control, sensors and miniaturization that could change the shape of the shipping industry.
Taking the safe path towards unmanned ships
DNV GL hopes to help the industry reduce seafarer fatalities by 90%: a goal which could ultimately result in taking crew off ships altogether, writes Wendy Laursen
