Digitalization has transformed maritime operations by enabling remote observation and control of ships, overcoming distance barriers that once required physical presence. Yet major challenges remain, particularly given the maritime domain's unique regulatory frameworks. In this context, clear definitions are not merely academic; they are essential to safe, scalable autonomy.
A central message of the webinar was straightforward: not everything “digital” is a twin. Many implementations labeled as “digital twins” lack meaningful real-world connectivity. Prof. Kınacı presented a structured classification framework that clearly distinguishes between:
The game-changer is true bidirectional flow between the physical vessel and its virtual counterpart. Without real two-way interaction, you are not leveraging a digital twin; you are effectively observing a shadow.
To bridge the technological gap between IMO’s remotely operated vessels and fully autonomous vessels, the webinar introduces an innovative six-level classification system for navigation autonomy. The talk also highlights the engineering foundations needed to advance maritime digitalization toward real autonomy, including high-fidelity kinematic modeling, advanced sensor fusion, and AI integration, along with practical guidance for implementation.
If you’d like to share it with your team, the content is now available as a structured course page with the following sections: Introduction, Degrees of Navigation Autonomy, Ship Digital Model, Ship Digital Shadow, Ship Digital Twin, Discussion, Conclusion.
