ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the technology landscape related to maritime remote-control systems through a comprehensive patent analysis. Using a dataset of 1,875 patents filed between 2010 and 2024, we employ Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers for Topic (BERTopic) modelling and network analysis to map technology clusters and their interconnections, while Bass diffusion modelling is used to assess maturity and project future growth. Core technology clusters were identified, with a network analysis highlighting route planning and optimisation as a key bridge technology, and safety monitoring as highly influential, yet emerging areas such as human-autonomous interaction remain isolated. Forecasting indicates that all technologies are in growth or emerging stages, with no saturation, projecting significant expansion by 2033. These findings emphasise a dynamic, evolving field in which integration and innovation-driven development are key. Stakeholders, including shipowners, engineers, and regulators can use this technology mapping to prioritise interoperability and safety, shaping the future of shore-based maritime operations.
