The innovative vector of technology–based development of shipping companies is autonomous navigation

The article is devoted to the current state of water transport, problems and prospects of its development. Special attention is paid to the innovative vector of development of shipping companies on the basis of technologies - autonomous navigation. The development of the shipping industry on the basis of autonomous navigation opens significant opportunities in the sphere of safety improvement, increase of profit by reducing the costs of maintenance of ship crews. Examples of implementation and use of remote control of a vessel using autonomous navigation means along a socially and economically significant route are given. The article studies the legal acts that came into force in 2024, fixing the legal basis for the creation of autonomous navigation, which gives the opportunity to actively develop this promising direction. It will allow water transport to be competitive, and thus one of the key sectors of the Russian economy to become a pillar for achieving its growth. Based on the study of the materials of the Russian Federation SP in the field of inland water transport development, the factors that will contribute to the efficiency of the implementation of the initiatives of socio-economic development of the Russian Federation until 2030 are proposed.