The QZSS is a Japanese constellation of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). A proposal for IEC 61108-8 on QZSS navigation receivers has been made. This is an international standard created in accordance with IMO resolutions. QZSS is scheduled to expand to a seven-satellite system within two years. QZSS is equipped with the Centimeter-Level Augmentation Service (CLAS), which is useful for creating high-definition maps for precise autonomous ship operations including automatic docking. Japan is developing a new concept that considers very accurate geodetic positioning for precise maritime navigation.

Autonomous ships are inextricably linked to space: in open sea, communication between vessels and digital bridges relies on satellite connectivity; high-accuracy positioning relies on global navigation satellite systems (GNSS); and near real-time situational awareness information, such as weather and sea ice conditions, relies on Earth observation satellites. The European Space Agency (ESA) is committed to supporting the maritime industry to innovate by leveraging space data. This session will showcase past and ongoing autonomous shipping projects and will present future opportunities to collaborate with ESA.

This presenation will share the latest examples of data from real-world trials onboard autonomous vessels which utilise Navtech’s millimetre wave FMCW 76-77GHz radar technology. High resolution radars are providing superior detection capability for small targets, giving vessels unparalleled situational awareness in all weather and lighting conditions. This unlocks the ability for vessels to safely navigate congested waterways autonomously. A sensor comparison will be discussed, presenting the extended range, reliability, and high-resolution imaging that FMCW radar technology can offer when compared to both lidar and cameras.

This presentation will review a +20-year journey to develop a maritime autonomous navigation system (ANS) for USVs. From an obstacle avoidance algorithm first developed for the NASA Mars Rover to real-life and simulated autonomous navigation and collision avoidance trials, it has proved its COLREGs compliance from Canada to Australia. With Indian Register of Shipping class society certification for its Voyager AI software on board an uncrewed 30m tug. Robosys is now working with integrated bridge system (IBS) manufacturers to develop a bridge-based collision avoidance decision aid (CADA) for lean crewed ships to improve safety in complex navigational waters.

The rapid advancement in technology enables us to increase the usage of automation and autonomous functions in maritime operations. However, the idea that these developments will make seafarers redundant is misplaced. Instead of embracing this notion, we should focus on how we can harness the strengths of technology to enhance human capabilities and eliminate human weaknesses. This presentation highlights the importance of creating a future that allows seafarers and other maritime professionals to maintain their expertise and professional pride empowered by technology, not replaced by it.

In 2023 the Marine Institute completed The Launch facility in Holyrood Bay on Canada’s east coast and the home of the Marine Autonomous Systems Testbed (MAST) initiative. One of the projects housed under MAST is our research investigating the development and design of remote operating centers (ROCs). ROCs are going to play a key role in the future of autonomous ships but surprisingly little research has gone into their design, operating configurations and user needs. This presentation will discuss the development plan of our ROCs, functionalities and pathways forward.

The fast advancement of technology over the last decade has had an impact on all industries, including maritime. Maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS), which were once only a concept, are now becoming a reality. Several countries have made successful attempts to run MASS in coastal waters. The nations are competing to be the world leader in the field of maritime autonomy. However, in the midst of all this rivalry, little attention has been paid to the future navigational training difficulties. The crucial question is how this new disruptive technology will affect maritime education and training (MET).

Autonomous or remote operations of vessels need a holistic approach in order to benefit from the possibilities offered by this technology: sustainability, shortage of seafarers and their well-being, offering alternative links in logistic chains (modal shift). Not only need the vessels and their operations to be redesigned in a holistic way: i.e. hull, maneuverability, propulsion, communication, procedures, etc., but also, the infrastructure for handling the vessels, energy loading, energy availability will need to be redesigned and reconfigured, changing also the concepts of operation. Lastly, humans intervening with these vessels and the related infrastructure will need new training and a change of mind.

This presentation will delve into the evolving landscape of maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) and the pivotal role of artificial intelligence (AI) in augmenting the technical and engineering competencies required by remote operations. It will outline a forward-looking roadmap that envisions a synergistic collaboration between human expertise and AI in MASS, focusing on upskilling the workforce, developing AI-driven solutions tailored to maritime contexts, and fostering a culture of continuous innovation. This roadmap not only aims to elevate the capabilities of MASS remote operations but also sets the stage for future advancements in autonomous maritime technologies.