www.buffalo.edu Results Linear hull formations are more fuel efficient Abstract This project studies the technological and commercial feasibility of using unmanned vessels for maritime trade, and develops a proof-of-concept prototype. Review of existing literature on Unmanned Surface Vehicles(USV) and research on the inner dynamics of the cargo shipping industry are combined with the technological expertise gained from prototype development. Our findings indicate that while technological and commercial factors are favorable for the use of unmanned cargo vessels, legal and liability issues prevent their deployment in the immediate future. Methods Results Prototype has been developed successfully Prototype tested satisfactorily in a lake The use of unmanned vessels for maritime trade is both technologically and commercially feasible. Unmanned cargo vessels will be smaller, and navigate in linear formations. However, legal and liability matters regarding the deployment of such vessels are yet to be resolved by regulatory authorities. References AECOM, "NC Maritime Strategy Vessel Size vs. Cost.” 31 May. 2012. Web. 18 Apr. 2014 “Freight Shipping in General.” dot.ca.gov. n.d., n.d. web. 17 Apr. 2014. Burmeister, Hans-Christoph. Rodseth, Ornulf Jan. "Developments toward the unmanned ship.” MARINTEK Dept. Maritime Transport Systems, Fraunhofer Center for Maritime Logistics and Services CML. Web. 18 Apr. 2014. Campbell, Sable. Naeem, Wasif. Irwin, George W. “A review on improving the autonomy of unmanned surface vehicles through intelligent collision avoidance manoeuvres”. 15 Sep. 2012. Annual Reviews in Control 36 267–283. Web. 25 Apr. 2014 Daxecker, Ursula. Prins, Brandon. "Insurgents of the Sea: Institutional and Economic Opportunities for Maritime Piracy”. Journal of Conflict Resolution. Web. 16 Aug. 2012. Gardiner, Nigel. "Ship Operating Costs 2011-2012: Annual Review and Forecast." Drewry Maritime Research. Print. 2011. Norris, Andy. "The autonomous vessel environment.” 2012. Royal Institute of Navigation. Web. 18 Apr. 2014. Porathe, Thomas. Burmeister, Hans-Christoph. Rodseth, Ornulf Jan. "Developments toward the unmanned ship.” Chalmers University of Technology. MARINTEK Dept. Maritime Transport Systems, Fraunhofer Center for Maritime Logistics and Services CML. Web. 18 Apr. 2014. Roberts, Geoff N. “Trends in marine control systems”. 31 Aug. 2008. Annual Reviews in Control 32 263–269. Web. 25 Apr. 2014 Safari, Fariborz. Sage, Benedicte."Legal and Liability Analysis for Remote Controlled Vessels.” University College Cork. 04 Sep. 2013. Web. 18 Apr. 2014. Tam, CheeKuang, et al. "Towards an Autonomous Surface Vessel." n.d. ACCeSS consortium. Web. 25 Apr. 2014 "The Autonomous Ship”. unmanned-ship.org. MUNIN. Web. 18 Apr. 2014 Wiesmann, Andreas. "Slow steaming–a viable long- term option?” Wartsila Technical Journal. Web. Feb. 2010. Conclusion • Review of the literature on Unmanned Surface Vehicles(USV). • Study of the container liner industry. • Review of related studies and projects. • Determination of impact of unmanned cargo shipping on vessel design and voyage characteristics. • Review of microcontrollers, sensors and microcomputers available. • Computer Automated Design(CAD) of ideal unmanned cargo vessel. • Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFD) analysis of linear hull formations enabled due to unmanned vessels. • Development and testing of miniature prototype unmanned marine vehicle. • Validation of unmanned cargo shipping business model using startup programs. Unmanned Vessels for Maritime Trade Researchers: Thiru Vikram S., Ajit Bhat and Daniel M. Hall Faculty Mentor: Dr. Bina Ramamurthy Technological challenges have been identified Ideal cargo USV is smaller Business model validated by industry players $1.1MM is saved per cargo ship annually 30% reduction in operating costs Labor savings Slow-steaming Lower insurance rates Acknowledgements