The Autonomy Opportunity video series
Get ready to dive deep into maritime autonomy as we bring you technical experts, insightful opinions, and unmissable discussions.
Get ready to dive deep into maritime autonomy as we bring you technical experts, insightful opinions, and unmissable discussions.
6 June 2025
Autonomy has the potential to transform the maritime industry by improving productivity, safety and sustainability. Yet, unlocking that potential means first addressing significant challenges that range from technology and design to regulation and assurance. At BMT, our teams have the expertise and experience to help customers overcome those barriers to embrace the autonomy opportunity.
What do we mean by maritime autonomy?
The term refers to a broad array of systems that range from fully autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to partially automated and remotely operated, uncrewed vessels. Enabled by rapid developments in technologies such as AI, maritime autonomous systems (MAS) are already being deployed in the commercial maritime, offshore energy, defence and marine science sectors.
What are the main benefits?
Without a crew on board, vessels can be designed more efficiently and can better incorporate cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, from solar and wind power to hydrogen fuel cells. Autonomous marine systems can also significantly reduce the risk of accidents caused by human error.
What are the challenges?
As in any emerging area, new designs, new practices and new skillsets are needed to successfully and safely adopt autonomy. There is also a pressing need for a set of comprehensive and standardised regulations to govern the safe and responsible use of autonomous vessels.
How BMT can help
Based on our portfolio of projects across multiple sectors, regions and disciplines, BMT has the experience and expertise to support your autonomy journey:
For more information on how we can help you shape the conditions and complete successful transitions to the adoption of MAS, click here.
Steve Cole
The next 10 years in the UK will see another considerable increase in the number of Programmes delivering complex nuclear facilities. New nuclear facilities are increasingly complex due to the convergence of digital and physical systems with Operational Technology (OT) now deeply integrated with IT; increasingly integrated systems of systems architectures and the adoption of big data analytics including AI.
Steve Cole
In today’s Defence environments, precision, speed, and certainty are no longer optional, they are necessities. Whether you are managing complex refits, integrating new systems, or maintaining configuration accuracy across platforms, the quality of the data you start with determines the success of your entire project.
Dr Thomas Beard - UK / Europe
As shipping transitions to low‑carbon fuels, safety has become the defining challenge. This interview by RINA's The Naval Architect, explores how alternative fuels such as methanol, ammonia, hydrogen and LNG introduce new risks, and how smart vessel design, layered protection and crew competence are essential to delivering decarbonisation without compromising safety.
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In a world where complexity is the norm and certainty is rare, adaptability isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. And when we combine it with empathy, structure, and a commitment to quality, we create programmes that deliver real, lasting value.
