Identifying Differences between Power System of Conventional and Autonomous Ship with Respect to their Safety Assessment

Digitalization, artificial intelligence, and awareness of climate change are the driving forces behind the rapid development of the transportation industry. The maritime sector is exploring the applicability of alternative powering options and ways to implement new technologies to increase safety and efficiency, to meet the regulations set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), and growth of the seaborne trade. Autonomous shipping is recognized by IMO as a path toward the implementation of new technologies with benefits in terms of safety, costs, and environmental impact. Based on the literature review, a research gap related to design requirements for power systems of autonomous ships is identified. Although the literature indicates that autonomous vessels are expected to be as safe as conventional ones, it is obvious that the removal of the crew from the ship leads to savings in operative costs, but at the same time, it significantly reduces the possibility for corrective maintenance during the voyage. Therefore, it is necessary to analyse key activities of the crew related to the operation of the ship power system and to define the effect of lack of crew on potential safety reductions. This paper aims to analyse differences between the power systems of conventional and autonomous ships and their role in safety assessment, as well as to provide a set of solutions for a successful transition from manned to unmanned ship power systems.