Analysis of Key Factors and Correlations Influencing the Adoption of Autonomous Ships by Shipping Companies—A Study Integrating Revised DEMATEL-AHP with BOCR

In response to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Climate Action (#13) and Life Below Water (#14), the promotion of autonomous shipping technologies has advanced from the experimental stage to specific regional implementation, presenting the maritime industry with rapid and significant changes and challenges. In the future era, where autonomous vessels dominate shipping, with automated operation systems taking the lead, how successfully shipping companies harness these new maritime transport modes will critically impact the safety, efficiency, and reliability of future vessel operations. With the emergence and development of autonomous vessels, it is crucial to effectively assess the importance and correlation of key factors influencing shipping companies’ adoption of autonomous ships. This study utilizes the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Revised Decision Making and Trial Evaluation Laboratory (RDEMATEL) to survey senior managers in container and bulk shipping from Taiwan, China, Japan, and the European Union. Through a literature review on the benefits, opportunities, costs, and risks brought by autonomous shipping, this study aims to understand the critical factors important to shipping companies in adopting autonomous shipping, as well as the correlation between these influencing factors across different shipping sectors. The research findings indicate that “emergency response capability” is a critical factor influencing overall and bulk shipping in the adoption of autonomous vessels, while “incomplete regulations” are the primary factor influencing container shipping in the adoption of autonomous ships. Regarding the correlation of critical influencing factors, “vessel technology development” is the main influencing factor for overall, container, and bulk shipping; “operational performance enhancement” is the primary affected factor for overall and container shipping; and “enhancing personnel and vessel safety” is the main affected factor for bulk shipping. It is hoped that the results of this study can serve as a guide for shipping companies in understanding the benefits and opportunities to be emphasized when adopting autonomous shipping and assist in developing effective strategies to reduce costs and risks.