Ship without a (human) Captain

What if a ship could sail across the ocean with no captain, no crew, just AI at the wheel? That’s the world of autonomous ships.

These ships use artificial intelligence, satellite data, and sensors to:
- Steer safely and avoid obstacles
- Choose the best, fastest, and most fuel-efficient route
- Collect ocean data, like temperatures and pollution

Some ships are remote-controlled from land, while others are totally independent. A few even run on solar or electric power.

AI on the High Seas:
AI helps these ships make quick decisions, even in rough weather. It studies satellite data, ocean maps, and sensor inputs to plan routes, avoid collisions, and adjust to changing conditions. AI also monitors engine performance and helps reduce pollution.

Why use them?
- Safer: No human errors or risky missions.
- Cheaper: Smart ships save fuel and money.
- Greener: They use less energy and reduce pollution.

Famous examples:
- Yara Birkeland: the world’s first all-electric autonomous cargo ship (Norway).
- Mayflower 400: crossed the Atlantic with AI to study climate change and plastic waste.
- Saildrones: solar and wind-powered, used to track sharks and measure ocean acidification.

The future of sailing will rely on AI and robotics to explore, transport, and protect the oceans more efficiently than ever.