Creating value through autonomous shipping: an ecosystem perspective

The expected benefits of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) include increased safety, reduced costs and increased earning potential due to operational efficiencies and reduction in vessel manning. However, autonomous shipping enabled by such ships bears a greater potential than just replacing humans with machines. Rather, MASS can play a role in transforming supply and logistics chains. The value creation potential of these ships depends on the degree to which they disrupt logistics. Our aim here is to clarify how MASS create value and for whom, as well as how different actors in the maritime logistics ecosystem are able to monetize or otherwise benefit from the innovation. Based on interviews with experts in maritime logistics and autonomous technology, and a desktop study of the opinions of the leaders in maritime innovation, we analyse the different facets of value creation by MASS. We distinguish between the two key sources of value - onboard crew reduction and increased ship intelligence and their effects (cost reductions, earning potential, increased safety and system value) - and explicate for which actors in the ecosystem the value is created. We identify the key changes in the maritime logistics ecosystem, which concern the changing roles of technology providers, shipowners and operators, and we highlight the need for developing complementary infrastructure and activities in the ecosystem.

Automated summary

The article analyzes the different aspects of value creation by Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), including the impact of crew reduction and increased ship intelligence on costs, earnings, safety, and system value, as well as the actors for whom this value is created. The article also highlights the changing roles of different actors in the maritime logistics ecosystem and the need to develop complementary infrastructure and activities.