The voyage was a test of an autonomous ship under AUTOSHIP, an EU-funded program to develop new technologies for navigating large vessels. The consortium brought together entities from academia and industry, including Kongsberg Maritime, the Norwegian giant that has been conducting deep research and development (R&D) on autonomous shipping. The trip marked a pivotal advancement in developing autonomous technology for shipping, which still faces many hurdles before it is ready for primetime. "Uniquely for autonomous technology, the hazards are hidden for the mariner by the sea. "Learning via mistake in a cargo ship environment can be costly, it can be dangerous," said J.C. Renshaw, head of supply chain consulting at Savills North America.

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Persons: Markus Laurinen, Laurinen, Ville, SHI, Denmark's DNV, Leo McLeman, McLeman, J.C, Renshaw Organizations: Kongsberg Maritime, CNBC, Kongsberg Maritime's VP, Korea's Samsung Heavy Industry, Samsung, International Maritime Organization, Hydrographic Office, Savills Locations: Norway, EU, Norwegian, Kongsberg, America, Africa