The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) has issued guidelines on the development of new technology in the shipping industry, including “autonomous” ships, to ensure maritime safety, environmental protection, benefits for maritime workers’ lives and conditions, and sustainability.

The ETF points out that the European Union (EU) is awarding huge amounts of funding to develop autonomous ships, as well as several initiatives to advance digitalised shipping.

The ETF has launched the five new guidelines to help “democratise the decision-making process on the way new technologies are used” to the benefit of the areas covered and to create a maritime industry “based on social, economic and ecological sustainability”.

The guidelines aim to support a smooth transition to ship automation “resulting in improved safety, high-quality employment and training for European maritime professionals”.