What does this research mean for the field?

The introduction of maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) will not simply replace human labor but will redefine it, creating tensions between automation and manual operations and necessitating tailored regulatory, training, and infrastructural adaptations. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.SYNTHESIS. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate the operational, spatial, and organizational implications of maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) from the perspectives of current and former maritime workers.

September 8, 2026Journal of Shipping and TradeOpen Access

The development of maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) from seafarers’ perspective: operational, spatial, and labour implications

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Authors

CMChristophe Mundutéguy DGDavid Guerrero

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Overview

Qualitative study reveals operational limits and workforce tensions surrounding autonomous shipping among maritime professionals, highlighting the need for a human-centric transition framework.

Key Points

To evaluate the operational, spatial, and organizational implications of maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) from the perspectives of current and former maritime workers.
Conducted a thematic literature review on autonomous vessel integration and maritime labour impacts.
Performed qualitative semi-structured interviews with maritime officers, a maritime pilot, and a port executive.
Identified persistent friction between automated functions and remaining manual tasks, alongside severe operational constraints in complex coastal environments.
Demonstrated that autonomous systems alter rather than eliminate human maritime labour, creating differing industry opinions and necessitating updated regulatory, training, and port infrastructure frameworks.

Cite This Study

Mundutéguy et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a9fd75858e84d0ff5b45e2f https://doi.org/10.1186/s41072-026-00255-1

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September 8, 2026Journal of Shipping and TradeOpen Access

The development of maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) from seafarers’ perspective: operational, spatial, and labour implications

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

CMChristophe Mundutéguy DGDavid Guerrero

Discussion

Member takes

Overview

Qualitative study reveals operational limits and workforce tensions surrounding autonomous shipping among maritime professionals, highlighting the need for a human-centric transition framework.

Key Points

To evaluate the operational, spatial, and organizational implications of maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) from the perspectives of current and former maritime workers.
Conducted a thematic literature review on autonomous vessel integration and maritime labour impacts.
Performed qualitative semi-structured interviews with maritime officers, a maritime pilot, and a port executive.
Identified persistent friction between automated functions and remaining manual tasks, alongside severe operational constraints in complex coastal environments.
Demonstrated that autonomous systems alter rather than eliminate human maritime labour, creating differing industry opinions and necessitating updated regulatory, training, and port infrastructure frameworks.

Cite This Study

Mundutéguy et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a9fd75858e84d0ff5b45e2f https://doi.org/10.1186/s41072-026-00255-1

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark