Role of Onshore Operation Centre and Operator in Remote Controlled Autonomous Vessels Operation

Abstract

The need for more skilled human resources and higher operational costs in conventional shipping will create the need for autonomous shipping. To make autonomous shipping a reality, the shipping industry will require building supportive infrastructure and facilities to ensure the safe operations of future autonomous vessels. To provide necessary support functions in autonomous vessel operations is the primary goal of an onshore operation centre (OOC). This paper discusses distinct levels of autonomy in ships, the role of OOCs, and the role of remote operators from an operational support and control perspective. The current study also highlights OOC design and its major functions, including the primary function performed by the operators and their workflow, which is usually missing in the literature. A simulation-based case study is presented, which demonstrates that operators may not make optimal decisions in complex navigation environments due to limited available situational awareness (SA). The case study concluded that the OOC should provide situational awareness related support to the operators for better navigational safety.