Exploring risk governance and risk perception of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships: Interpretation and implications | Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Ship Technology at the Gdańsk University of Technology

This talk focuses on the role of different societal actors in the decision-making processes concerning the conceptualization, design, and operational implementation of these future vessels. In particular, the introduction of MASS is framed in a risk governance context, with particular attention given to the role of risk perception in societal decision making. After briefly introducing the International Risk Governance Council’s Risk Governance Framework, the different degrees of autonomy of MASS are categorized according to their dominant risk characteristics. Subsequently, implications are drawn for the recommended risk governance strategies in approaching MASS development and implementation. Further, results of a recent exploratory study of risk perceptions of urban autonomous vessels are introduced, and future research directions outlined.

Bio:

Dr. Floris Goerlandt currently holds a position as Assistant Professor at the Department of Industrial Engineering at Dalhousie University. He is also the Canada Research Chair in Risk Management and Resource Optimization for Marine Industries. Prior to joining Dalhousie University, Dr. Goerlandt was university lecturer in maritime risk and safety management at Aalto University (Espoo, Finland), where he led various international research projects focusing on different aspects of maritime risk and safety management. He received his PhD degree in Maritime Risk and Safety in 2015 from Aalto University (Espoo, Finland). He also obtained a MSc. degree in Maritime Sciences from the University of Antwerp (Antwerp, Belgium) in 2006, and an MSc. degree in Marine Technology from Ghent University (Ghent, Belgium) in 2005. His expertise and research interests include: risk analysis and management, safety engineering and management, modeling and analysis of maritime transportation sytsems, and emergency/disaster planning and response. He has published widely on these topics, with about 70 co-authored journal articles, 40 conference papers, several book chapters and a co-edited book. Dr. Goerlandt serves on the editorial board of Safety Science, Transport Safety and Environment, and Multimodal Transportation, is board member of the Canadian Shipping Risk Forum, and serves as an external expert to the Risk Management Working Group of the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities. In recognition of his impactful research and his contribution to Dalhousie University’s research culture, he was awarded the Dalhousie University President’s Research Excellence Award for Emerging Investigators in 2020.