EMEA News
Unmanned, Bunker Saving LNG Powered Cargo Ships "Reality in 10-20 Years"
In 10 to 20 years, unmanned oceangoing cargo vessels could be a reality, according to Scandinavian research group SINTEF.
As part of a European Union (EU) project known as MUNIN, SINTEF company MARINTEK and seven other partners are developing systems capable of functioning without any human intervention.
"There aren't many willing to believe it, but if the project partners succeed in overcoming the challenges we are currently working with, vessels such as this will in fact be safer than many of those on the high seas today," said researcher Ørnulf Rødseth.
"Human error, solely or in part, is the cause of more than 75 per cent of today's vessel accidents."
A drone ship would be able to communicate with an onshore control centre through a broadband connection.
Unmanned vessels could travel at lower speeds, slowing from 16 to 11 knots, which would reduce fuel use by 50 percent, saving money and reducing emissions.
SINTEF argues operators would accept the longer transit times in return for the savings on fuel and the elimination of salary expenses, particularly since the likely cargoes would be cereals or mineral ores rather than high-value commodities.
Electronic positioning, satellite communications, and anti-collision technology exist already, but researchers would have to demonstrate that the systems can function adequately without crew on board before authorities are likely to authorize the operation of unmanned ships.
The systems will also have to be able to function for weeks at a time with no one to carry out repairs, something Rødseth said would be more likely if liquefied natural gas (LNG) is used as the fuel.
Several efforts are underway to develop unmanned ships, including a Rolls-Royce project that promises redundant systems and extensive monitoring to take the place of onboard crews.
