
Control Systems for Automated and Autonomous Ships
Design Requirements, Technologies, and Case Studies
- 1st Edition - May 1, 2026
- Latest edition
- Author: Henryk Pepliński
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 3 2 9 6 6 - 1
- eBook ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 3 2 9 6 7 - 8
While experts have been trying to ascertain what autonomy might mean in and for maritime trade and operations for a few years, it has now become a necessity for the sector to… Read more
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While experts have been trying to ascertain what autonomy might mean in and for maritime trade and operations for a few years, it has now become a necessity for the sector to progress. It’s no secret, though, that technological innovations come with their fair share of challenges. Control Systems for Automated and Autonomous Ships: Design Requirements, Technologies, and Case Studies successfully offer a better understanding of this disruptive context by consolidating engineering requirements with currently applicable, international legislation and regulatory standards.
Written by a professional with decades of experience in the industry, the book comprehensively covers sought-after information relating to the design, commissioning, and operating of control and monitoring processes and their enabling technologies on board intelligent vessels. Balancing the benefits of a well-structured, rigorous overview alongside topical case studies and lessons learnt from real pilot models, the volume supports both further academic research as well as practical, industry-relevant implementation of different levels of automation and the methods to achieve them through the very latest developments, crucially contributing to safer, more secure, more efficient – and therefore more sustainable too – cargo transportation, navigation, and ship operations worldwide.
Written by a professional with decades of experience in the industry, the book comprehensively covers sought-after information relating to the design, commissioning, and operating of control and monitoring processes and their enabling technologies on board intelligent vessels. Balancing the benefits of a well-structured, rigorous overview alongside topical case studies and lessons learnt from real pilot models, the volume supports both further academic research as well as practical, industry-relevant implementation of different levels of automation and the methods to achieve them through the very latest developments, crucially contributing to safer, more secure, more efficient – and therefore more sustainable too – cargo transportation, navigation, and ship operations worldwide.
- Ensures readers gain a solid understanding of control systems’ requirements through the integration of regulatory standards (ISO, IMO, SOLAS, ABS, DNV, API, NORSOK) with engineering-specific discussions.
- Gathers invaluable learnings from tests and trials of existing MASS technologies.
- Discusses AI-enhanced software developments for ships’ automation.
- Includes cybersecurity on smart ships, focusing on the reliability and functional effectiveness of on-board, safety-critical, computer-based systems.
Postgraduate students, researchers, and academics in marine engineering and technology; naval architecture; advanced/applied mechanical engineering programs specifically orientated to the design and development of automated and autonomous (shipping) systems; control systems engineering; electrical and electronics engineering
1. Introduction
2. Types of Automated and Autonomous Ships: Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS)
3. Requirements, Regulations, and Standards for Automated and Autonomous Vessels
4. Engine Control Room and Bridge Equipment on Automated and Autonomous Ships
5. Control and Monitoring Systems
6. Shore-based Centers
7. Cybersecurity in Ship Control
8. Artificial Intelligence in Ship Control
9. Conclusion: Control Systems’ Evolution and Future
2. Types of Automated and Autonomous Ships: Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS)
3. Requirements, Regulations, and Standards for Automated and Autonomous Vessels
4. Engine Control Room and Bridge Equipment on Automated and Autonomous Ships
5. Control and Monitoring Systems
6. Shore-based Centers
7. Cybersecurity in Ship Control
8. Artificial Intelligence in Ship Control
9. Conclusion: Control Systems’ Evolution and Future
- Edition: 1
- Latest edition
- Published: May 1, 2026
- Language: English
HP
Henryk Pepliński
Henryk Pepliński has more than 40 years of experience in marine and offshore electrical and control systems engineering, covering conceptual design, basic and detailed design, and systems commissioning. His experience began in European shipyards designing and constructing various types of vessels, followed by working in classification societies for plan approval and surveys of electrical and control systems. For nearly ten years, he worked as a superintendent engineer at Prosafe Offshore Ltd. (UK), gaining experience in the offshore industry on the design and modification of diesel electric semi-submersible units. Then, he worked for Seatec UK Ltd. as a superintendent engineer and planning manager for seismic vessel conversion, and finally for C&M Marine Services Ltd. as a project superintendent engineer. Henryk has also served on working groups of the International Electro-technical Commission, developing new IEC standards. He is currently an independent consultant for electrical and control engineering systems for ships, offshore units, and hybrid electrical vessels. He earned a BSc in Electrical and Control Engineering, Automation, and Measurements from Gdańsk University of Technology and a Technician Certificate in Electrical Power Engineering. Additionally, he is qualified as a lead auditor for ISO 9001 quality systems from the British Standard Institution, for IMO ISPS code from Northeast Maritime Institution, and for IMO ISM code from the Polish Register of Shipping.
Affiliations and expertise
Independent Consultant for Electrical and Control Engineering Systems for Ships and Offshore Units, Gdynia, Poland