Cooperative AI Techniques for Ocean Path Planning of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships

This paper explores the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques for collaborative path planning in Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). To improve both safety and efficiency in navigation, path planning is enhanced with AI-driven approaches that align with International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) set forth by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The challenges of path planning, both at global and local levels, are addressed to emphasize the role of the cooperation among vessels in optimizing the AI performance. Furthermore, various cooperative frameworks are discussed by focusing on technical aspects, such as sharing positional and control data between vessels, and by developing advanced message-passing methods to enhance real-time navigation accuracy. Finally, a feasibility study is investigated presented, showing the potential of AI-based cooperative strategies to lower collision risks and boost the maritime navigation effectiveness.