The British Ports Association (BPA) plans to implement autonomous shipping for ports in the United Kingdom, media reports said. BPA has floated the idea of maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) and is looking for interested companies to review the development.
BPA represents the majority of UK port activity including 85 percent the shipping movements across the UK and abroad.
Richard Ballantyne, the Chief Executive of the British Ports Association, told the media, “The prospect of seeing autonomous ships in UK ports is definitely on the horizon but there will be much to do to prepare ourselves. This includes the consideration for port and marine operations, regulatory frameworks, infrastructure and receptions facilities, land to vessel communications and vessel safety. Although we are at the early stages, a lot of work is taking place across the maritime community.”
A maritime autonomous surface ship which is also known as autonomous shipping is the process of vessel automation and on board processes automation. The process has the potential alter how ports and ships interface with each other.
As part of the proposed development, BPA plans to develop a network for autonomous shipping in Ports. Currently, the association is looking trusted companies from the maritime community which can review its development.
BPA is committed to explore what the future developments of shipping will mean for the sector.
The global shipping community is impacted from the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, like other sectors, but countries such as the UK and the US are looking to capitalise the situation for growth.