Abstract: A computer-based method for automated operation of an unmanned waterborne vessel is provided. The method includes steps of: providing a mission plan for the vessel, the mission plan defining a desired activity of the vessel over a period of time; determining different possible configurations of machinery of the vessel to fulfil the mission plan; ranking the possible machinery configurations; selecting a highest ranked machinery configuration; and formulating an engineering plan which implements the selected machinery configuration in order to operate the vessel in accordance with the mission plan; and executing the engineering plan.