Crewless ships might be sailing over the horizon sooner than you think. So how do you feel about sailing on a cruise ship without a captain?
You might well snort in disbelief or horror, but a time when cruise ships sail without any navigational officers on board might arrive by mid-century. Perhaps a ceremonial captain might be present to keep passengers reassured and preside over the much-coveted Captain’s Table in the restaurant.
Helsinki is now trialling the world’s first commercial autonomous electric boats which will operate between the city and its islands as a form of small public ferry. Some forecasters think commercial USVs will be common by 2030. Japan is aiming to make half its local commercial fleet automated by 2040.
Where commercial shipping sees benefits, I reckon cruise companies are sure to follow. USVs with passengers and hotel staff on board will require more rigorous regulation, of course, but a sea change is surely coming: it’s just a matter of when.The direction of travel does subtly influence your cruise experience. Sail downstream and you go with the flow, so your ship’s speed will be somewhat greater.
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