Uncrewed Vessels: Navigating the Future of Autonomous Shipping

Uncrewed Mega Vessels: Navigating the Future of Autonomous Shipping

The maritime industry is undergoing a profound transformation. As automation and artificial intelligence reshape logistics, uncrewed vessels—once confined to small research drones and surveillance crafts—are being tested on a much grander scale. Could container ships and bulk carriers, global trade giants, operate without a single crew member aboard? Technologically, yes. Practically, not quite yet.

This article explores the feasibility of uncrewed large vessels, the challenges they face, pioneering projects like the Yara Birkeland, and how international regulations are evolving to accommodate Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS).

Check out Hyundai’s initiative for an autonomous container ship.

 The Technical Feasibility of Uncrewed Large Vessels

Autonomous navigation systems have matured rapidly. Today’s ships already rely heavily on automated systems for route planning, engine monitoring, and collision avoidance. Extending this to full autonomy—where a vessel sails across oceans without human intervention—is technically possible.

Modern autonomous vessels use:

• GPS and AIS (Automatic Identification Systems) for real-time positioning
• Radar and LIDAR for obstacle detection
• AI algorithms for decision-making and route optimization
• Remote monitoring systems for engine diagnostics and cargo conditions

However, scaling these technologies to mega-vessels like container ships and bulk carriers introduces complexity. These ships face unpredictable weather, congested ports, and intricate cargo operations that require human oversight. While small uncrewed vessels have proven their worth in coastal and research missions, deep-sea autonomy remains a frontier.

 Research Insights: What the Data Says

A 2023 feasibility study by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology assessed the readiness of uncrewed bulk and container ships. Using a traffic light model, the study concluded:

•  Feasible today: Onboard automation systems like engine control and navigation
•  Feasible within 5 years: Limited autonomous operations on short-sea routes
•  Feasible beyond 5 years: Full autonomy for deep-sea global routes

Another 2024 industry survey of shipping companies in Asia and Europe revealed key adoption drivers and barriers:

Top Enablers:

• Fuel efficiency and emissions reduction
• Labor cost savings
• Emergency response capabilities

Top Barriers:

• Incomplete international regulations
• Safety concerns in high-traffic zones
• Lack of port infrastructure for autonomous docking

These findings suggest that while the technology is advancing, economic and legal hurdles remain significant.

 Pioneering Projects: Yara Birkeland and Beyond

 Yara Birkeland (Norway)

The Yara Birkeland is the world’s first fully electric and autonomous container ship. Developed by Yara International and Kongsberg Maritime, it represents a major leap in sustainable shipping.

• Length: 80 meters
• Capacity: 120 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units)
• Propulsion: Fully electric
• Autonomy Level: Initially remote-controlled, with plans for full autonomy

Launched in 2020, the vessel operates between Herøya and Brevik in Norway, replacing truck transport and reducing CO₂ emissions by an estimated 1,000 tons annually.

 Mayflower Autonomous Ship (UK/US)

Inspired by the original Mayflower voyage, this AI-powered trimaran crossed the Atlantic in 2022 without a crew. Developed by ProMare and IBM, it used machine learning to navigate and collect oceanographic data.

 DNV’s ReVolt Concept

DNV GL’s ReVolt is a conceptual autonomous, battery-powered short-sea vessel designed for cargo transport. Though not yet built, it showcases the potential for zero-emission, crewless shipping.

 The Role of IMO: Regulating the Rise of MASS

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the UN body responsible for maritime safety and environmental protection. As autonomous vessels emerge, the IMO adapts its regulatory framework to accommodate MASS.

Key IMO Initiatives:

1. MASS Regulatory Scoping Exercise (RSE)

Completed in 2021, this exercise reviewed existing IMO instruments to identify gaps and challenges in regulating autonomous ships. It focused on four degrees of autonomy:

• Degree 1: Ship with automated processes and decision support
• Degree 2: Remotely controlled ship with crew onboard
• Degree 3: Remotely controlled ship without crew onboard
• Degree 4: Fully autonomous ship

The RSE found that most IMO conventions—like SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and COLREG (Collision Regulations)—assume human presence onboard, requiring significant amendments.

2. Development of a New MASS Code

The IMO is now working on a goal-based MASS Code, expected to be adopted by 2025. This code will provide a flexible safety, security, and environmental compliance framework across different autonomy levels.

3. Liability and Insurance

The IMO is collaborating with legal bodies to address liability issues. Who is responsible if an autonomous ship causes an accident? The shipowner, the software developer, or the remote operator? These questions remain unresolved.

 Security and Ethical Considerations

Autonomous mega-vessels raise new concerns:

• Cybersecurity: Uncrewed ships are vulnerable to hacking, GPS spoofing, and data breaches.
• Ethical dilemmas: In emergencies, can AI make life-saving decisions? What happens if a vessel encounters refugees or distress signals?
• Proliferation risks: Uncrewed vessels could be misused by non-state actors for smuggling or sabotage.

These issues demand robust safeguards and international cooperation.

 Port Infrastructure: The Missing Link

Even if ships become autonomous, ports must evolve too. Most terminals are designed for human-operated vessels. Autonomous docking, cargo handling, and refueling require:

• Smart berths with automated mooring systems
• AI-enabled cranes for container loading
• Digital communication protocols between ship and shore

Without these upgrades, uncrewed mega-vessels will struggle to integrate into global supply chains.

 The Road Ahead: Hybrid Models and Gradual Adoption

Rather than a sudden shift to full autonomy, the industry is embracing hybrid models:

• Reduced crew ships: Vessels with minimal crew and high automation
• Remote operation centers: Shore-based teams monitor and control multiple ships
• Autonomous tugboats and feeder vessels: Supporting larger ships in port operations

These transitional steps allow stakeholders to test technologies, refine regulations, and build trust.

 Conclusion: A Future Worth Navigating

Uncrewed container ships and bulk carriers are no longer science fiction. They are technically feasible and increasingly desirable for sustainability and efficiency. Yet, the journey to full autonomy is riddled with legal, economic, and ethical challenges.

Projects like the Yara Birkeland prove that innovation is possible. The IMO’s evolving regulatory framework shows that global governance is catching up. And hybrid models offer a pragmatic path forward.

As the maritime world sails into the future, one thing is clear: autonomy is not just about removing the crew—it’s about reimagining the entire shipping ecosystem.