Can Autonomous Ships Help Short-Sea Shipping Become More Cost-Efficient?

Abstract

There is a strong political focus on moving cargo transportation from trucks to ships to reduce environmental emissions and road congestion. We study how the introduction of a future generation of autonomous ships can be utilized in maritime transportation systems to become more cost-efficient, and as such contribute in the shift from land to sea. Specifically, we consider a case study for a Norwegian shipping company and solve a combined liner shipping network design and fleet size and mix problem to analyze the economic impact of introducing autonomous ships. The computational study carried out on a problem with 13 ports shows that a cost reduction up to 13% could be obtained compared to a similar network with conventional ships.

Factors Influencing the Economic Feasibility of Unmanned Ships

“…Other research performed into the economic feasibility of unmanned ships leans heavily on this research as it is detailed and covers many aspects (Kooij et al, 2021;Ziajka-Poznańska & Montewka, 2021). Other research into the economics of unmanned ships mainly focusses on the possibility of adding these vessel types into an existing infrastructure (Akbar et al, 2021;Msakni et al, 2020).…”

Costs and Benefits of Autonomous Shipping—A Literature Review

“…One document presents literature analysis on selected aspects of autonomous shipping in terms of design, safety, navigation control, and short description of economic issues [39]. The rest of the papers focus on the Liner Shipping Network Design concept [23,40] and vessel platooning concept [41].…”

“…Then it would be extr challenging for the vessel to be cost-competitive, unless she would be operated exclu in SECA zones (Sulphur Emission Control Area). When it comes to various modes of autonomous ship operation, the liner shi network design concept demonstrated that its introduction is economically favou [23,40]. The authors also presented the sensitivity analysis for the case of a conven mother vessel and autonomous daughter vessels.…”

“…The introduced boundary of 119% is definitely h than existing cost estimates [23]. When it comes to various modes of autonomous ship operation, the liner shipping network design concept demonstrated that its introduction is economically favourable, [23,40]. The authors also presented the sensitivity analysis for the case of a conventional mother vessel and autonomous daughter vessels.…”