Transport Secretary sets goal for maritime technology revolution
Last Wednesday, at the Smart Shipping Event, the Secretary of State for Transport, Rt. Hon. Chris Grayling MP, set out his vision for the UK to be at the forefront of a maritime technology revolution which is expected to result in the growing use of autonomous vessels and could make shipping faster, safer and more environmentally friendly.
The Transport Secretary highlighted autonomous vessels as just one example of exciting developments which could deliver huge benefits to the maritime industry. Other examples include:
• augmented reality, which could be used to train new seafaring cadets and familiarise them with vessels before they have even left the shore, improving safety
• artificial intelligence, which could plot more efficient routes, avoid severe weather, highlight disruption at ports and diagnose mechanical problems
• a rise in the number of electric and hybrid vessels, cutting down on the level of carbon emissions in the industry, and the development of low or zero emission fuels
• magnetic berthing, making the mooring process safer and more efficient
The Transport Secretary said:
“As a country with a proud maritime history, the UK is absolutely determined to be at the forefront of this exciting time of change in the industry.
“We are already working with the International Maritime Organization to pave the way for this new era of shipping and we want to work closely with the industry to ensure we are doing everything possible to allow this new technology to thrive.
“An industry-led code of practice for autonomous vessels was published in November of last year by Maritime UK, the same month in which the C-Worker 7 became the first semi-autonomous vessel to join the UK Ship Register.
“The potential radical redesigns of vessels which technology could allow, and prospect of more hybrid and electric vessels coming into use, could significantly reduce carbon emissions.”
Small and medium-sized enterprises, ship owners, port operators, trade bodies, lawyers and academia will be discussing what they see as the opportunities and challenges involved to help develop a plan that delivers success for the next 20-30 years.
Read the full article on the GOV.UK website.
British Marine is a member of Maritime UK, the single-promotional body for the UK’s £40bn marine and maritime industry. British Marine’s involvement ensures that the opportunities and challenges faced by the leisure marine, superyacht and small commercial marine industries are factored into all the work being undertaken by the UK Government in partnership with the industry.
This story is from British Marine.
