I am Mehrangiz Shahbakhsh, a doctoral-level researcher in the field of human elements in autonomous shipping. You can find out more about me here. I am thrilled to announce an upcoming series of articles to be published in the Shipping Australia newsletter that will delve into the fascinating world of autonomous shipping.
You may think autonomous shipping is only about data, sensors, new navigation systems, and most of all, about technology.
But it is so much more than that.
Autonomous shipping includes regulatory bodies, ports, ship owners, shipping lines, seafarers, suppliers, training, and technology providers.
But it is more than that too!
Autonomous shipping is more than a new phenomenon… it is a new process in progress. It will not happen overnight. But it will happen. In fact, a fundamental and gradual transition away from traditional shipping is already happening right now. This transformative process is challenging all stakeholders, and it is constantly requiring them to re-evaluate their values and interactions in a changing ecosystem.
Autonomous shipping should be safe, secure, and reliable, more so than a manned ship. While technological development is enabling the emergence of smart and autonomous shipping, there are regulatory, safety, and cybersecurity challenges. And the most vital challenge is workforce transformation in response to these technological advancements.
I am so excited to embark with you on this journey to explore autonomous shipping. We will look at different aspects of the field by looking at cutting-edge technologies, crucial aspects of safety, regulatory matters, news, research findings, and the transformation of the maritime workforce.
We will travel through this evolving field using informative articles, case studies, and expert insight to find our way.
Our goal is to equip you with the information, intelligence, and insight so that you can understand – and benefit from – the immense potential of autonomous shipping by turning challenges into opportunities.
Whether you are already involved in the maritime industry, or are interested in joining it, this is THE series for you.
Stay tuned for our first article in the series, and I will look forward to being your guide on this incredible journey!
