Tom Eystø

Wilhelmsen and Kongsberg have joined forces to take the next step in autonomous shipping. These two strong and innovative companies each own 50% of Massterly AS which started operations on 1st September 2018. Massterly will offer services for the customers’ entire value chain for autonomous ships; from vessel design and approval from relevant authorities, to control systems, logistics services, vessel operations, insurance and possible assistance on financing. The name Massterly is derived from IMO's definition of “Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship (MASS)”: a ship which, to a varying degree, can operate independently of human interaction"​. These are the various degrees of autonomy: ● Automated processes and decision support: Seafarers are on board to operate the ship, but some operations are automated ● A remotely controlled ship with seafarers on board ● A remotely controlled ship without seafarers on board ● Fully autonomous ship: The operating system of the ship is able to make decisions and determine actions by itself Massterly will work with customers and vessels that have all the variations above. A Shore Control Centre is under construction at Wilhelmsen Ship Management’s office at Lysaker, Norway. When the needed customer base is established, we will provide 24/7 manned monitoring and control from the Shore Control Centre. We will also serve conventional vessels with performance monitoring and assistance as required, e.g. periodically unmanned bridge. Autonomy introduces a new competition area for short-sea shipping and opens a larger market for maritime players. We are not competing with existing vessels, but with land transport and polluting trucks. Autonomous ships provide significant safety benefits, as 75% of maritime accidents are caused by human error. In conclusion: Autonomous ships are good for business, for the environment and improves safety both at sea and land.