The comprehensive and safe application of unmanned surface vessels is certainly one of the biggest challenges currently facing maritime science. Such vessels can be implemented within a wide range of autonomy levels that goes from remote-controlled vessels to fully autonomous vessels in which intelligent vessel systems completely perform all necessary operations. One of the ways to achieve autonomous vessel systems is to implement multi-agent systems that take over all functions performed by the crew in classical manned crew vessels. A vessel is a complex system that conceptually can be considered as a set of interconnected subsystems. Theoretically, the functions of these subsystems could be performed using appropriate multi-agent systems. In this paper we analyzed 24 relevant papers. A review of the current state of implementation of multi-agent systems for performing the functions of unmanned surface vessels is presented.

Maritime safety is an ongoing process in shipping that is constantly being improved by the modernization of equipment and constant improvements in operators’ safety procedures and training. However, human error remains a significant factor in maritime accidents, as it contributes to 75% of incidents. Addressing this problem, the current paper shows a proof of principal for on-board fire monitoring and extinguishing software agents that may be used to upgrade present systems and contribute to an autonomous ship design. Agent technology that engages fire detection and firefighting equipment while minimizing human intervention will reduce the risks of human error and increase maritime safety.

The maritime domain is experiencing significant transformation, driven by the integration of autonomous technologies. Autonomous ships and smart maritime systems depend on the sophisticated interplay of artificial intelligence, sensor infrastructures, and communication protocols to achieve safe, reliable, and efficient operations. Central to this evolution is the imperative for seamless interoperability among agents operating within heterogeneous maritime environments. Semantic interoperability, which ensures that information is interpreted and exchanged consistently and meaningfully across systems, emerges as a critical enabler of coordinated multi-agent cooperation. This paper explores the role of semantic interoperability in the coordination of multi-agent systems, the challenges involved, and the technological frameworks that facilitate its implementation.

This paper presents a model of agent-based architecture for fighting fires on ships. The introduction of agent technology in firefighting decision-making is a step towards safe autonomous vessels. The human factor can be excluded through the introduction of agent-based technology for the detection and extinguishing of fires onboard ships. The aim is to reduce the number of injuries and deaths, and minimize loss of ships and cargo. Another advantage of agent-based technology is its easy interoperability with other automated onboard systems. The presented model was implemented on a prototype in a simulation environment. The results of the experiment conducted on the implemented prototype are also presented.

The maritime industry is witnessing a revolutionary transformation with the development of autonomous ships. Unmanned vessels employ advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, especially machine learning, and intelligent agents for autonomous navigation. The successful integration of autonomous ships into existing maritime ecosystems requires a robust infrastructure capable of addressing various challenges, including interoperability of different ship systems. To ensure interoperability, it is crucial to establish a suitable information infrastructure. The implementation of ontologies within the information infrastructure of autonomous ships facilitates the use of intelligent agents. This paper discusses the concept of ontological information infrastructure tailored for autonomous ships and gives an example of an ontology designed specifically for autonomous vessel firefighting systems.

The growing demands for data links capacity in maritime vessels and high costs of satellite communication links through mandatory GMDSS Inmarsat equipment emphasize the possibility of optimizing data traffic routes through alternative service providers either satellite or terrestrial. Lower cost services, as well as increased link capacity will justify introduction of new technologies onboard ships. Implementation of new technologies is important, but also the appropriate implementation of processes and the awareness and motivation of the people on board that ensures the value of such a service. In order to realize more convenient link, the development of a mathematical model is proposed as basis for decision making optimization of data traffic route in communication of maritime vessels. In addition to the presentation of previous research, the paper also shows the optimization of data traffic route by the example of authentic maritime communications within the organizational environment