Abstract
The development of autonomous ship technology is currently in focus worldwide and the literature on this topic is growing. However, an in-depth cost and benefit estimation of such endeavours is in its infancy. With this systematic literature review, we present the state-of-the-art system regarding costs and benefits of the operation of prospective autonomous merchant ships with an objective for identifying contemporary research activities concerning an estimation of operating, voyage, and capital costs in prospective, autonomous shipping and vessel platooning. Additionally, the paper outlines research gaps and the need for more detailed business models for operating autonomous ships. Results reveal that valid financial models of autonomous shipping are lacking and there is significant uncertainty affecting the cost estimates, rendering only a reliable evaluation of specific case studies. The findings of this paper may be found relevant not only by academia, but also organisations considering to undertake a challenge of implementing Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships in their operations.
Highlights
We can observe a continuously growing trend worldwide in research and development of autonomous ships in academia, industry, and maritime authorities
The classification was prepared only for a regulatory scoping exercise aimed at identifying legal barriers to MaritimeAutonomous Surface Ships (MASS) implementation, but is used for other purposes [2,3].Currently, the autonomous ships are not allowed for international shipping due to law regulations [4–7]
The analysed literature shows that numerous documents raise the issue of costs and the effects of implementing autonomous shipping in the economic aspect
Summary
We can observe a continuously growing trend worldwide in research and development of autonomous ships in academia, industry, and maritime authorities. As per International Maritime Organization [1], autonomous ships are referred to as Maritime. The classification was prepared only for a regulatory scoping exercise aimed at identifying legal barriers to MASS implementation, but is used for other purposes [2,3].Currently, the autonomous ships are not allowed for international shipping due to law regulations [4–7]. The classification was prepared only for a regulatory scoping exercise aimed at identifying legal barriers to MASS implementation, but is used for other purposes [2,3].Currently, the autonomous ships are not allowed for international shipping due to law regulations [4–7]. iations.
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