Research on novel operational modes for crew-reduced operations of coastal intelligent ships

In order to cope with the challenges of high manpower cost, complex management, and safety risk in the traditional shipping mode, this study focuses on the new operation mode of coastal intelligent ships with less manpower, aiming to promote the smart transformation of the shipping industry through technological innovation and system integration. Based on artificial intelligence, big data and 5G/maritime satellite communication technologies, three modes of remote piloting control, intelligent decision-making and modularized tasks are proposed, and the operation modes of different classes of intelligent ships under the three modes are considered. Based on the grey relational analysis (GRA) method, a safety evaluation index system for coastal waters is established from four aspects: human factors, ship and equipment factors, environmental factors and management factors. The results show that the human factor of improper maneuvering poses the greatest threat to the overall safety boundary, and the less manned or even unmanned operation mode is particularly urgent.