A new study that examines the potential effects of autonomous ships on the global shipping industry provides comforting news for seafarers – and officers in particular.
Commissioned by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and conducted by the Hamburg School of Business Administration (HSBA), the study points out that while the size of crews may evolve in response to technological changes on board, there may also be considerable additional jobs ashore that will require seafaring experience.
ICS secretary general Guy Platten said that while it was recognised that clear opportunities may arise for the shipping industry that may not exist today, much more work had to be done, particularly on the regulatory side. The findings of the study suggest that the role of personnel on board and ashore will need to be redefined both operationally and legally.
