Towards maritime traffic coordination in the era of intelligent ships: a systems theoretic study

Coordination of maritime traffic has developed over centuries with the main purpose of decreasing collisions and groundings of vessels. It has evolved from rudimentary measures, such as lighthouses, into an increasingly digitized setting with technologies like satellite positioning services and traffic coordination systems, such as the Automatic Identification System (AIS). In the future, increasingly intelligent shipping practices are expected to set further requirements not only for the ships themselves, but also for the coordination systems in maritime transport. Advanced and reliable coordination is especially seen as a key enabler for remote operated and autonomous ships.

The introduction of autonomous and unmanned smart ships is likely to be gradual, and coordination techniques of different technology levels are likely to co-exist in the maritime setting for an unforeseen period: there will be highly connected intelligent vessels and those applying very basic means of perception and communication. Based on the Systems-Theoretic Accident Model and Processes (STAMP) approach, as well as the related STPA hazard analysis methodology, this paper presents a control structure of maritime traffic coordination as it is now, and provides an overview of STPA hazard analysis performed on the system. It also discusses changes foreseen in the structure due to changing means of coordination in the future, providing basis for better understanding of the risks and opportunities. Additionally, the paper provides insights on applicability of STPA on a new application area of maritime traffic coordination.