Ship designers, their operators and regulators are gearing up for a future in which cargo vessels sail the oceans with minimal or even no crew. Ship operators believe more automation will enable them to optimize ship use, including cutting fuel consumption. A future unmanned ship could resemble some of the most advanced combat drones. Satellite-services company Inmarsat IMASY -0.85 % PLC this year launched its Fleet Xpress service to provide improved connectivity to ship operators. The company is already in talks with operators it wouldn’t name to start trials of more autonomous vessels.

Source: Wall Street Journal August 31, 2016 09:22 UTC