Enhanced manoeuvring aids integrated with the electronic positioning will permit vessels to be berthed automatically. It has been done but only with expensive and complex additional equipment on board the vessel and ashore. Safety is expensive therefore risk analysis must be used to target the cost effectively. Ports must consider all areas of risk from environmental to public perception.
Pilots feel that the cost of pilotage forms cheap and effective insurance.
Slow to arrive in the shipping world. Owners are reluctant to invest in new technology unless they can reach financial benefits. Most ships are still constructed to basic and cheapest criteria. Pilots need betrer training with manned models and simulators supplementing the tradition on board tripping. Simulators need to be kept up to date by incorporating new ship handling aids and be capable of tailoring to individual requirements.