The Importance of Autonomous Operational Processes and Environmental Monitoring for the Sustainable Development of a Seaport

This study presents solutions utilizing varying degrees of autonomy in seaport operational systems, including port infrastructure, environmental monitoring systems and autonomous equipment for transshipment terminals. The applications currently used in the most developed seaports are analyzed in terms of their preparation for servicing MASSs (Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships). In the context of safety in a mixed-navigation environment, the importance of the currently fastest-developing drone technologies is assessed. Drone technologies based on unmanned vehicles, in various configurations, supervised by remote operations centers, are mainly used for surveillance and monitoring port areas. The technology still under development is the UWV (Unmanned WIG Vehicle), using the WIG (wing in the ground) effect to enable fast and efficient movement over the sea surface. The analysis of the strengths and limitations of this technology allowed the most important directions for its further evolution to be determined. Based on the analysis of the existing UWV solutions, the key design and operational drivers are highlighted, and a new UWV application, which cooperates with the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle platform designed for effective observation, supervision and monitoring of subsurface infrastructure, is proposed.