www.buffalo.edu

Results

Linear hull formations are more fuel efficient

Abstract

This project studies the technological

and commercial feasibility of using

unmanned vessels for maritime trade,

and develops a proof-of-concept

prototype.

Review of existing literature on

Unmanned Surface Vehicles(USV) and

research on the inner dynamics of the

cargo shipping industry are combined

with the technological expertise gained

from prototype development.

Our findings indicate that while

technological and commercial factors

are favorable for the use of unmanned

cargo vessels, legal and liability issues

prevent their deployment in the

immediate future.

Methods

Results

Prototype has been developed successfully

Prototype tested satisfactorily in a lake

The use of unmanned vessels for

maritime trade is both technologically

and commercially feasible. Unmanned

cargo vessels will be smaller, and

navigate in linear formations. However,

legal and liability matters regarding the

deployment of such vessels are yet to be

resolved by regulatory authorities.

References

AECOM, "NC Maritime Strategy Vessel Size vs. Cost.” 31 May.

2012. Web. 18 Apr. 2014 “Freight Shipping in General.”

dot.ca.gov. n.d., n.d. web. 17 Apr. 2014.

Burmeister, Hans-Christoph. Rodseth, Ornulf Jan.

"Developments toward the unmanned ship.” MARINTEK Dept.

Maritime Transport Systems, Fraunhofer Center for Maritime

Logistics and Services CML. Web. 18 Apr. 2014.

Campbell, Sable. Naeem, Wasif. Irwin, George W. “A review

on improving the autonomy of unmanned surface vehicles

through intelligent collision avoidance manoeuvres”. 15 Sep.

2012. Annual Reviews in Control 36 267–283. Web. 25 Apr.

2014

Daxecker, Ursula. Prins, Brandon. "Insurgents of the Sea:

Institutional and Economic Opportunities for Maritime

Piracy”. Journal of Conflict Resolution. Web. 16 Aug. 2012.

Gardiner, Nigel. "Ship Operating Costs 2011-2012: Annual

Review and Forecast." Drewry Maritime Research. Print.

2011.

Norris, Andy. "The autonomous vessel environment.” 2012.

Royal Institute of Navigation. Web. 18 Apr. 2014.

Porathe, Thomas. Burmeister, Hans-Christoph. Rodseth,

Ornulf Jan. "Developments toward the unmanned ship.”

Chalmers University of Technology. MARINTEK Dept. Maritime

Transport Systems, Fraunhofer Center for Maritime Logistics

and Services CML. Web. 18 Apr. 2014.

Roberts, Geoff N. “Trends in marine control systems”. 31

Aug. 2008. Annual Reviews in Control 32 263–269. Web. 25

Apr. 2014

Safari, Fariborz. Sage, Benedicte."Legal and Liability Analysis

for Remote Controlled Vessels.” University College Cork. 04

Sep. 2013. Web. 18 Apr. 2014.

Tam, CheeKuang, et al. "Towards an Autonomous Surface

Vessel." n.d. ACCeSS consortium. Web. 25 Apr. 2014

"The Autonomous Ship”. unmanned-ship.org. MUNIN. Web. 18

Apr. 2014 Wiesmann, Andreas. "Slow steaming–a viable long-

term option?” Wartsila Technical Journal. Web. Feb. 2010.

Conclusion

• Review of the literature on Unmanned

Surface Vehicles(USV).

• Study of the container liner industry.

• Review of related studies and projects.

• Determination of impact of unmanned

cargo shipping on vessel design and

voyage characteristics.

• Review of microcontrollers, sensors

and microcomputers available.

• Computer Automated Design(CAD) of

ideal unmanned cargo vessel.

• Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFD)

analysis of linear hull formations

enabled due to unmanned vessels.

• Development and testing of miniature

prototype unmanned marine vehicle.

• Validation of unmanned cargo shipping

business model using startup programs.

Unmanned Vessels for Maritime Trade Researchers: Thiru Vikram S., Ajit Bhat and Daniel M. Hall

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Bina Ramamurthy

Technological challenges have been identified

Ideal cargo USV is smaller

Business model validated by industry players $1.1MM is saved per cargo ship annually

30% reduction in operating

costs

Labor savings

Slow-steamingLower

insurance rates

Acknowledgements