Comments: - - KIS should apply here. Why test out electric propulsion AND autonomy at the same time? Failure in one aspect will throw doubt on the other (justified or not). A crewed electric ship would prove the feasibility of marine electric propulsion. Meanwhile, autonomic navigation can be tested out on a plethora of existing vessels, with a lot less cost. If and when both technologies are proven, then hallelujah - put them together. Good luck!
I admit it's a big improvement but you can't call an EV zero-emission if 'MOST' of it's power comes from clean energy what about the rest... but as said, it's a big improvement already and if we keep working on these vessels, we'll get there, hopefully not to late...
This is very cool . Electric vehicles are definitely the way of the future . The only real concern I have about more vehicles going electric is the infrastructure needed to charge all this isn't even close to being ready .
I think there would be many jurisdictions interested in the electric capabilities much more than the autonomy aspect. When the infrastructure is implemented for charging, commercial costs of operations would reduce significantly, making electric propulsion transportation the obvious business choice, ignoring the environmental aspect completely.
I think electrification of these boats makes much more sense for now than cars. If they can figure out a way to recharge at sea or make the batteries much more efficient, I can see this technology shaping the future of our commerce
Hopefully a commercially viable version of this container carrier comes on the scene in the not too distant future when the supply chains are once more intact. Right now there's too many container ships anchored offshore waiting to be unloaded.