While there have been detailed investigations on the effects of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) on the regulatory model as well as on its technical details, analyses on the economic effects are comparatively scarce. For MASS concepts to reach their economic and sustainability potential, a change in maritime logistics operations is a prerequisite. Therefore, these concepts should be viewed from a holistic perspective.
This study provides a step towards such analyses by investigating the effects of MASS on ship operating costs and the overall implications regarding supply chain efficiency. It is explained how the operating costs of a MASS would differ from traditional vessels using an example of handy-size bulk carriers operating in the Baltic Sea. Additionally, possible implications for the shippers in the context of MASS are assessed. E.g., the quantification of effects of more reliable and transparent lead times on inventory holding costs, analysis of expected improvements in customer service and exploration of different supply chain configurations.