Offshore and marine industries company ABS recently joined the Unmanned Cargo Ship Development Alliance, a group aimed at developing and manufacturing autonomous shipping vessels.
The alliance launched in June and plans to have an autonomous cargo ship in operation by October 2021. Other founding members include Rolls-Royce, Marine Design Research Institute of China, Shanghai Marine Diesel Engine Research Institute, CCS, China Ship Research & Development Institute, Ltd, Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd, and Wartsila.
The alliance is chaired by HNA Technology Group Co, Ltd.
“Increased digitization, advanced technologies and new levels of connectivity are changing the way the maritime industry operates,” Eric Kleess, ABS Greater China Division president, said. “In the coming years, we will see significant changes in the way ships are designed and built, with a strong drive to develop autonomous vessels especially in China. As a key member of this alliance, ABS is aligned closely with industry to support safer and more sustainable maritime operations.”
The alliance will work on many aspects of autonomous ships including remote control, autonomous navigation, environmental perception and independent decision-making.
The alliance is working to advance autonomous shipping innovations and operations and will promote safe adaptation of the technology, HNA Technology Group Vice Chairman Li Weijian said.
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Source: ABS
