journal article·2021-05-17Open access

Costs and Benefits of Autonomous Shipping—A Literature Review

Ewelina Ziajka-Poznańska, Jakub Montewka

Applied Sciences· Volume 11· Issue 10

Abstract

The development of autonomous ship technology is currently in focus worldwide and the literature on this topic is growing. However, an in-depth cost and benefit estimation of such endeavours is in its infancy. With this systematic literature review, we present the state-of-the-art system regarding costs and benefits of the operation of prospective autonomous merchant ships with an objective for identifying contemporary research activities concerning an estimation of operating, voyage, and capital costs in prospective, autonomous shipping and vessel platooning. Additionally, the paper outlines research gaps and the need for more detailed business models for operating autonomous ships. Results reveal that valid financial models of autonomous shipping are lacking and there is significant uncertainty affecting the cost estimates, rendering only a reliable evaluation of specific case studies. The findings of this paper may be found relevant not only by academia, but also organisations considering to undertake a challenge of implementing Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships in their operations.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Maritime Navigation and Safety · Maritime Transport Emissions and Efficiency · Maritime Ports and Logistics

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Research Group on Maritime Transportation Risk and Safety, Gdynia Maritime University, 81-225 Gdynia, Poland

Waterborne Transport Innovation Foundation, 83-050 Łapino, Poland

Funding

Gdynia Maritime University

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