The role of VTS operators in new maritime safety situations: when conventional and autonomous ships meet

Abstract: Ensuring safe maritime traffic in coastal areas is important work. For this purpose, Coastal States establish Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) along coasts worldwide. Their primary role is to monitor and to organize safe and efficient vessel traffic flow and protect the marine environment. For example, VTS monitors ship-to-ship communication while providing useful information and instructions to ships. In recent years, the introduction of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) has been discussed in the maritime industry and several trials were made as part of research and development (R&D). Although potential benefits of MASS are acknowledged, there are a number of challenges anticipated, including the role of VTSs. The composition of maritime traffic was always a mixture of ships equipped according to the requirements with either conventional, modern or high sophisticated, partly- or fully automated systems. The future of maritime traffic will continue monitoring and managing mixed traffic scenarios at least for a longer period, if not forever. VTS must integrate and absorb the handling of new and complex traffic situations. There will be unstaffed fully autonomously ships or remote controlled by a shore control centre (SCC). This requires the development of appropriate operational procedures to ensure the safe and efficient traffic flow.This paper will present results from experimental trials using full-mission VTS simulation of future scenarios with mixed maritime traffic from the perspective of experienced VTS operators. While current research very much focusses on technical aspects of automation and digitalization and the feasibility and reliability of MASS, the focus of this research is based on aspects of operational integration and the handling of mixed traffic situations in the coastal areas. The systematic development and implementation of mixed traffic scenarios in simulated real world environment will be presented. Ongoing pilot studies using series of experimental simulation trials, entry questionnaires and follow-up focus group discussions after simulation runs will be introduced. Outcomes and first results in terms of the identification of administrative and organizational needs as well as related future requirements for training and for technical support systems will be presented and discussed. An outlook will provide a strategy for the further research work to be done.

Keywords: Vessel Traffic Services, Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships, Maritime Safety

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1004339

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