Many people in the marine industry believe that autonomous (crewless, ground-based computer-controlled) shipping is the answer to the cost reduction scenarios of the future.
But Henning von Wedel, senior development manager of the Finnish engine maker, Wartsilsa, observed that there is, however, a strong trend that counteracts the autonomous concept: the sheer size of the vessels is increasing.
“We see that not only in the containership market, but also for liquid and bulk cargo. Cruise ships are also getting bigger and bigger.”
“The challenge is – beyond the economy of size – to convince our customers that the issue is more complex and requires looking at integrated concepts, which include shipbuilding and operation cost for the vessels,” von Wedel said, while pointing out that taking only crew costs into consideration here would offer a very short-sighted perspective on the matter.
