The Evolution of Maritime Technology Development: A Dynamic Positioning System Perspective of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship

Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship (MASS) is a phenomenon of evolutionary maritime technology development. This involves developing new ship navigation technology by applying core technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution such as AI, IoT, Big Data, and Sensor Technology to existing maritime technology. The most representative technology for this purpose is the Dynamic Positioning System (DPS), and it is equipped with the technology closest to MASS. To identify the additional technological developments necessary for MASS, this study analyzed the systematic requirements of existing DP vessels and functional requirements of MASS systems, as well as the Goal-Based Standard MASS code and articles related to MASS systems. Through this analysis, the present study identified that for MASS development, there is a need for the development of core technology for decision-making based on risk analysis, communication systems including reliable cybersecurity measures and substantial data transmission capacities, digital and intelligent information technologies such as AI and IoT, advanced sensors, mission planning and monitoring systems, marine weather monitoring, and information-sharing systems, data-driven diagnostic ship maintenance systems, auto berthing/unberthing systems, and emergency response technology. These identified technologies can be integrated into MASS by combining developments from various industries, potentially realizing new navigation forms of vessels through evolutionary maritime technology development.