COASTAL shipping could be one of the first parts of the UK maritime sector to embrace autonomous shipping, and through a new report published at the beginning of 'Maritime UK Week', the British Ports Association (BPA) is encouraging ports to consider the implications on their operations.
The report, which has been produced as part of the BPA's Port Futures initiative and is authored by Setfords Solicitors, also gives recommendations to government regarding reviewing UK legislation and regulations to ensure they are up to date and flexible to accommodate new technological opportunities.
'Autonomous ships could soon be a more common feature of domestic and global trade. UK ports have the chance to grasp the opportunity to lead the world in accommodating this change,' said Richard Ballantyne, chief executive of the BPA, according to London's Port Strategy.
'This development could initially be in the short sea coastal shipping sector and the UK's wide selection of ports will have an important role to play when this takes off in British waters.'
The report sets out the opportunities for UK ports in preparing for new Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and the BPA will be sending it to the UK's Department for Transport for consideration as part of its Maritime 2050 initiative.
The report explains some of the future challenges the industry will face in terms of servicing MASS ships, including the areas of operations and management, safety, security, cyber security and breakdowns in communication systems. There will also be alterations needed to quays for berthing.
Opportunities for ports meanwhile could be felt in terms of increased port jobs in the port services industry and possible re-assessment of costs and payment for this new market, possibly having an impact on harbour dues and other commercial agreements.
The report, which has been produced as part of the BPA's Port Futures initiative and is authored by Setfords Solicitors, also gives recommendations to government regarding reviewing UK legislation and regulations to ensure they are up to date and flexible to accommodate new technological opportunities.
'Autonomous ships could soon be a more common feature of domestic and global trade. UK ports have the chance to grasp the opportunity to lead the world in accommodating this change,' said Richard Ballantyne, chief executive of the BPA, according to London's Port Strategy.
'This development could initially be in the short sea coastal shipping sector and the UK's wide selection of ports will have an important role to play when this takes off in British waters.'
The report sets out the opportunities for UK ports in preparing for new Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and the BPA will be sending it to the UK's Department for Transport for consideration as part of its Maritime 2050 initiative.
The report explains some of the future challenges the industry will face in terms of servicing MASS ships, including the areas of operations and management, safety, security, cyber security and breakdowns in communication systems. There will also be alterations needed to quays for berthing.
Opportunities for ports meanwhile could be felt in terms of increased port jobs in the port services industry and possible re-assessment of costs and payment for this new market, possibly having an impact on harbour dues and other commercial agreements.