Remote Operation and Control Centres

6.1 Functional role of RCCs

Remote control centres typically: monitor multiple vessels in real time; provide alert and alarm management; allow operators to take direct control; and support engineering diagnostics and condition-based maintenance.

Massterly's ROC in Horten is a leading industrial example, supervising Yara Birkeland, ASKO's MS Marit and MS Therese, and the upcoming Reach Remote vessels.

6.2 RCC system architecture

Key architectural elements include:

• Physical and network infrastructure: Redundant communication paths with QoS guarantees, cybersecurity controls following defence-in-depth principles.
• Core systems: Fleet monitoring dashboards, alarm and event management, operator consoles with bridge-like interfaces adapted for shore use.
• Decision support and analytics: Modules predicting traffic conflicts, energy shortfalls or component failures. Simulation and "ghost ship" functions.

For Lavik-Oppedal, Fjord1 is building a dedicated control centre in Florø, with start of operations in 2026.

6.3 Human factors and operator competence

Human-automation interaction

Studies highlight the importance of robust support for transitions between autonomous and manual modes, particularly under time pressure and degraded situations. Limited time to respond and high task complexity are strongly associated with human error during take-over.

Remote operator competence

STCW was not written with remote operators in mind. A new competence framework is needed. Remote operators must combine traditional bridge skills with systems engineering literacy and control room competencies.

Design for resilience

Design guidelines stress: configuring HMIs to support robust recovery from failures; ensuring operators can understand what the autonomy is doing ("transparency"); and supporting team coordination within the RCC and between RCC and on-board crews.