Autonomous inland shipping: Learning from regulation in air, rail, road and sea transport

Abstract Autonomous inland shipping technology is on the horizon. However, without a regulatory framework that addresses emerging gaps and barriers, this technology will not be implemented in the near future. Other transport sectors, more specifically air, rail, road and sea transport, are more advanced in this regard: regulators have taken up the challenge of proposing regulatory solutions to pave the way for the introduction of autonomous processes in the market in their respective industries. Thus, to meet urgent research needs in the field of inland waterway transport, this study explores possible regulatory solutions for autonomous inland shipping using a comparative research approach. By analysing the regulatory frameworks applicable to autonomous transport modes in other industries in the light of the similar or identical issues that have been identified for autonomous inland shipping, potential regulatory answers are explored. Key findings highlight the need for a complete set of regulations that address the emerging issues in a way that provides legal certainty and reduces risks to an acceptable level without becoming too technically specific, thereby leaving some degree of flexibility to industry stakeholders to meet the regulatory requirements. The research provides a toolbox of possible regulatory answers for autonomous inland shipping technology that will be of interest to regulators and policymakers including working groups on automated inland navigation from UNECE, CESNI and the CCNR to help them work out a regulatory framework proposal.