Track: Smart Mobility

Abstract

This study evaluates the feasibility of autonomous shipping by employing a SWOT analysis, drawing insights from reviews of relevant literature from 2018 to the present. The field of autonomous shipping necessitates critically examining its potential, and this study seeks to contribute to this discourse. The study uses the SWOT analysis framework to assess this transformative technology's intrinsic strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. As discerned through our analysis, the strengths of autonomous shipping are manifold. They include the promise of heightened cost-efficiency and improved safety and security measures. These positive attributes stem from optimizing operational processes, streamlining crew requirements, and integrating advanced collision avoidance capabilities. However, the viability of autonomous shipping is contingent upon addressing several technological challenges. Notably, issues surrounding the development of robust automation systems, establishing reliable communication infrastructure, and formulating comprehensive navigation protocols emerge as prominent areas for improvement. Moreover, the analysis underscores the significance of overcoming substantial upfront costs to address financial feasibility and market adoption concerns. Despite these challenges, the study identifies compelling opportunities for autonomous shipping, driven by the escalating volumes of global trade and a growing acceptance of automation. The potential for further expansion is contingent upon regulatory alignments and the establishment of robust international protocols. Simultaneously, the study recognizes critical threats to adopting autonomous shipping, encompassing vulnerabilities to cyberattacks, piracy, societal anxieties about job displacement, and ethical considerations. To contextualize and enrich these findings, we conduct a bibliometric analysis of pertinent literature published from 2018 to the present, providing valuable insights into research trends and thematic focal points.