This would kill seafaring unions. Don't underestimate how appealing this is to shipping companies. Note: I am not arguing against seafaring unions, just explai

This would kill seafaring unions. Don't underestimate how appealing this is to shipping companies. Note: I am not arguing against seafaring unions, just explaining the reasoning of corporates (having worked in head office of a shipping company). They are not quite on the same level of stevedore unions, but they are immensely powerful and militant. The term "sea lawyer" [0], which predates unions, adequately describes them. They know their rights, are completely inflexible and prone to strike. Simply not having to think about union demands is enough to make a CEO salivate over autonomous ships. I like sailors, I especially like sea captains and know a few captains of huge container ships. I have major respect for them. But I completely understand why corporates would end seafaring unions is they have half the chance. [0] http://www.dictionary.com/browse/sea-lawyer http://www.dictionary.com/browse/sea-lawyer