Advancing the Marine Transportation System through Automation and Autonomous Technologies: Trends, Applications, and Challenges: U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System 6th Biennial Innovative Science and Technology Conference

NHTSA · 2021 · ROSA P / United States. Committee on the Marine Transportation System (CMTS)

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Summary

This document summarizes the proceedings and recommendations of the U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System’s (CMTS) 6th Biennial Innovative Science and Technology Conference, held virtually in March 2021. The conference addressed the integration of automation and autonomous technologies into the marine transportation system (MTS), aiming to identify trends, applications, and challenges. The event brought together over 130 representatives from government, academia, and industry, along with more than 50 experts, to discuss how these technologies can enhance safety, supply chain efficiency, and environmental sustainability while navigating regulatory and technical hurdles. The conference utilized a multi-session format comprising keynote addresses, plenary panels, and technical breakout sessions. Keynote speakers from the Federal Maritime Commission, American Bureau of Shipping, and European institutions provided perspectives on productivity, regulatory frameworks, and international innovations. Plenary sessions covered public agency stewardship, Northern European lessons learned, and multimodal sector technologies. Technical breakouts focused on specific domains such as autonomous ships, inland waterway operations, port automation, maritime data access, and cybersecurity. The findings were synthesized through an interactive closing summary session guided by five framing questions to formulate strategic recommendations for CMTS policy and future research prioritization. The primary findings highlight that while autonomy offers significant benefits in safety and efficiency, substantial barriers remain. Key challenges include outdated regulations, lack of data standardization, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and workforce skill gaps. The report emphasizes that technology is currently outpacing regulation, with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) expected to update guidelines by 2030. Specific technical insights include the potential for using Automatic Identification System (AIS) data for weather forecasting and AI training, the need for remote control capabilities in locks and dams, and the importance of digital twins and blockchain for data interoperability. The document notes that implementation will likely be incremental, starting with assisted autonomy, and requires robust collaboration between federal agencies, industry, and academia to ensure safe integration. The significance of this report lies in its actionable recommendations for advancing the MTS. It calls for the establishment of long-term designated testing areas in the U.S., enhanced collaborative partnerships for data sharing, and updated workforce training curricula to address shifting skillsets. The authors stress the necessity of maintaining a "human-in-the-loop" approach and preparing for high-tech failures with low-tech solutions. Furthermore, the report urges federal agencies to prioritize research in sensor integration, cybersecurity, and the socio-economic impacts of automation. By addressing these gaps, stakeholders can facilitate the safe and effective deployment of autonomous technologies, ensuring the MTS remains resilient, efficient, and secure in the face of evolving technological landscapes.

Key finding

The conference identified that advancing maritime automation requires collaborative partnerships, updated regulatory frameworks, designated testing areas, and prioritized research into cybersecurity and sensor integration to overcome current technological and policy barriers.

Methodology

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Sample size: 130

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