Indeed, in many aspects the U.S. is leading the way in innovation, including in on-the-water testing and implementation of advanced autonomy as creates precedent with international unmanned voyages through the U.S. Navy’s Ghost Fleet unmanned surface vessel (USV) Nomad, which completed a 4,421 nautical miles transit, of which 98 percent was in autonomous mode. U.S.-flag autonomous vessel Mayflower 400is attempting a trans-Atlantic Ocean crossing from the UK. Buffalo Automation of Buffalo, New York launched Europe’s first commercial robotaxi service. U.S.-based SailPlan is developing an intelligent maritime navigation platform for scalable autonomy. Maine Maritime Academy is creating academic opportunities with smart vessel technology. The list goes on, and as the advanced autonomy market continues to develop in the U.S., it is important to note that autonomy is not the goal itself, rather proponents suggest it is meant to improve efficiency and increase safety. However, it can also be seen as part of broader sustainability and decarbonization efforts, and thus may present tangible societial benefits.
From Sail to Steam to … the Stars? How Innovation in the Commercial Space Industry is Impacting the Maritime Sector and Coast Guard, by Sean Pribyl

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