Shipsas
Shipsas is a fictional term used in speculative fiction and tabletop role-playing to describe a fleet arrangement in which multiple ships operate under a single shared autonomous control system, delivering services collectively rather than as independent units.
Etymology and usage: The word shipsas blends "ships" with the suffix from "as a service," signaling a
Origin and setting: The concept first appears in late-22nd-century narratives addressing recurring logistics challenges in archipelagic
Technology and design: A shipsas fleet relies on a distributed AI core, autonomous hull modules, and swarms
Operations and applications: It supports cargo transport, disaster relief, search-and-rescue, and scientific exploration. The model emphasizes
Governance and ethics: Central concerns include accountability for autonomous decisions, safety standards, data governance, and the
Variants: Cargo nodes, defense platforms, and research auxiliaries are described as common shipsas configurations, each with
See also: as-a-service; autonomous ships; swarm robotics; fleet AI.