Ranking Members Larsen, Carbajal Statements from Hearing on Autonomous and Experimental Maritime Technologies

Press Release

"Thank you, Chairman Webster and Ranking Member Carbajal for holding this important hearing. Today we will hear from leaders in the Coast Guard and the maritime industry about exciting innovations in autonomous and experimental vessels.

Automation will play an increasingly important role in both the commercial maritime industry and Coast Guard operations.

Coast Guard UAVs, engine automation, use of uncrewed vessels, and the better collection and use of data will expand the reach of the Service without requiring more Coasties.

To best leverage new technologies, the Coast Guard needs significant financial and human resources. Any cuts to the Coast Guard's funding will send us in the wrong direction.

Autonomous vessels present some clear opportunities for the Coast Guard to expand its capacity, such as in completing dangerous missions in inhospitable climates like the Arctic, increasing surveillance capacity and enhancing oversight of fishing operations.

However, I have concerns over the lack of a regulatory framework for new technologies and autonomous vessels.

For example, the Titan submersible tragedy demonstrates a need for stronger rules and safety requirements for experimental vessels and emerging technologies.

The international maritime industry, where ships are often owned by investors, built in one country, registered in a different country, and operated by mariners from all over the world, is defined by a complicated framework of regulations and oversight.

Plus, current law assumes that vessels are crewed by people. Developing an effective regulatory framework for autonomous vessels will be a major undertaking--requiring coordination between Congress, the Coast Guard, and the International Maritime Organization.

We must also consider automation's potential impact on maritime jobs. Maintaining the availability of well-paying jobs and minimizing the displacement of jobs from automation is a priority of mine.

Innovation cannot come at the cost of American jobs. To this end, it is important to include labor organizations early in conversations around a regulatory framework.

On the topic of innovation, the development of new vessel technology brings the opportunity to incorporate low- and zero-carbon emission technologies into vessel design.

Many vessels in use today use heavy fuel oil, which emits carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide when combusted. Carbon dioxide is a well-known greenhouse gas, and sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide are both air pollutants linked to respiratory disease.

New vessels must be built to reduce and eventually eliminate emissions and make our waterways and communities cleaner.

I'm proud that, in my home state of Washington, we are in the process of building a fleet of hybrid-electric ferries. Washington State Ferries is the largest ferry system in the U.S. and is the biggest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions among Washington state agencies.

This transition to hybrid-electric ferries will greatly reduce pollution.

I see a similar opportunity for developing new, clean autonomous vessels and building them in U.S. shipyards.

At their best, new technologies increase safety and efficiency, reduce emissions and create a better experience for workers. At their worst, new technologies introduce security vulnerabilities, decrease safety, increase the risk of accidents, and displace workers.

I look forward to hearing from our witnesses today on how we can ensure a smooth and safe transition to new technologies."

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