Global Autonomous Ships Market Expected to Grow 30% by 2028

Global Autonomous ships, also known as unmanned surface vessels (USVs), represent a significant leap in maritime technology. Several companies and countries have already initiated tests and pilot projects to bring fully autonomous ships to the global shipping lanes.

At the forefront of this development are countries like Norway and Finland, which are testing the first commercial autonomous ships in controlled environments. The Yara Birkeland, a fully electric and autonomous container vessel, became a notable milestone in 2021 when it completed its maiden voyage in Norway. Meanwhile, companies like Rolls-Royce are also working on autonomous shipping solutions, collaborating with maritime regulatory bodies to ensure these ships meet international standards for safety and operations.

Currently, most autonomous ships operate in a semi-autonomous mode, requiring human oversight from shore-based control centers. This transition phase allows the maritime industry to understand the potential and limitations of autonomous ships while adapting to necessary regulatory changes. 

Several market trackers now expect double-digit growth through the decade, with many forecasting a substantial step-up by 2028 as international rules mature and technology scales. For students and professionals in Kerala, this isn’t just global news—it’s a career wave you can ride with the right training at Voyage Institute.