Personally I think that "autonomous driving" of ships is a bit overrated at present. In enclosed area's like in case of Yara Birkeland it's maybe ok. In case something goes wrong ..... 10 minutes later somebody can be send to the ship. Experience will tell. But on ocean going vessel's ? Besides the still open questions technically wise, it will stop when it comes to money, investment and return.

The "Yara Birkeland" will be put into action 2010, will be trading just where i live.
Have a look:
https://www.yara.com/knowledge-grows/game-changer-for-the-environment/

Very true, I wonder how long it will take before we see the first autonomous ships in operation.

.....as the human crews will eventually disappear,.....
Not in our lifetime, hopefully

You are toally on it, Vlad.
Tomas

For me, this excellent photo perfectly illustrates why this concept of "superstructure" is outdated, for the entire structure (11 or even 12 decks high!) only serves as a base for the navigational bridge, and gobbles up an entire container bay length of cargo space.

I say eliminate it completely.

Only put a "bridge container" on top of those cargo containers, at appropriate height and distance to ensure SOLAS visibility.

Of course, this will only be a "stopgap" measure, as the human crews will eventually disappear, whatever we think now of the outrageousness of the crewless ships concept.

(What, steam?!? These beautiful sails will be here forever!!!) :)

Cheers

Vlad

WOW! What a luck!
A typical case of being at the right place at the right time by hazard - and with the right equipment ;-) ! :-)
Many thanks Finn for the detail information - Top!!

@ David: The distance to the vessel was about 0.75 sm (measured out of Google Earth) - I was standing at the parking on the pier of Southampton...

Roughly what distance were you from the ship, Marc?

Impressive picture! She beat former world record load by MUMBAI MAERSK whilst carrying 19,190 teu.
Cheers,
Finn