E-navigation

Industry stakeholders have discussed a lot about the pros and cons of paperless navigation concluding that ECDIS does have an edge over the traditional paper chart navigation. However, the question for the navigating officers remains the same. Can they steer the vessel, following a pre scheduled passage plan, avoiding grounding?

As autonomous ships are becoming a much-discussed topic in the industry, Callum O’Brien, Deputy Underwriter working for the Standard P&I Club, discussed key advantages and challenges ahead surrounding the adoption and viability of this technology and how soon the industry will be able to embrace it. 

Considering that most accidents are contributed to the human element, ECDIS has come along in order to try and change the landscape.  However, there are many cases which showcase the new technology involves many challenges that cannot be ignored. The improper use of ECDIS can result in accidents; therefore a change in operators’ mindset is required.

ICS published a new study regarding the potential effects of autonomous ships on the role of seafarers and the global shipping industry. The study indicates that there will be no shortage of jobs for seafarers, especially officers, in the next two decades, while there will be more jobs ashore that require seafaring experience.

In line with a growing smart technology trend and as shipping is struggling to keep costs down in order to maintain its competitiveness, as well as to minimize human error to improve its safety record, autonomous ships provide an attractive trend.

Mr Willy Zeiler highlighted that e-Navigation is central to delivering tomorrow’s technology, but its powerful benefits can be exploited today. Using data as a facilitator, it simplifies tasks, reduces workloads, enhances safety and environmental performance, and delivers real economic advantages for the industry. Autonomous vessels are a natural step forward for the discipline, with connected, digitized ships that perform with optimal efficiency, safety and security.

As automation is becoming an integral part of everyday life, the shipping industry makes no exception. Mr. Dimitrios Lyrakos, Chief Executive Officer, ASCOT Consulting LTD, describes how automation will affect the maritime sector, saying that the number of seafarers will decline, but these changes will create new job opportunities as well.

The Philippine Department of Transportation inaugurated the Philippine Coast Guard’s first Vessel Traffic Management System, in a ceremony on 12 February. The system composed of VTMS Control Center and three Radar Stations to have full coverage of vessel movements and to prevent congestion along Cebu-Mactan Channel.

Maritime Administrations are responsible of making sure that companies offering a GMDSS Shore-Based Maintenance (SBM) service are acceptable according to the IMO Resolution A.702 (17). If a ship owner has chosen the radio equipment to be maintained through a Shore-Based Maintenance Agreement, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has agreed with a series of requirements that must be met by a company that seeks registration as a SBM provider. 

Artificial intelligence and automation will improve the human's place in the near future. Mainly, Jeremy Bogaisky, Deputy Editor at Forbes, quotes that autonomous and remote-control shipping is sure to decrease cost of consumer goods and enhance safety for passenger ferries and cruise liners.