Maritime autonomous surface ships and vessel automation are moving out of the lab and into everyday operations. This presentation looks at what is actually working today, where automation genuinely improves safety, efficiency and resilience, and where expectations still need recalibrating. Drawing on real operational experience from offshore and complex marine environments, it explores practical automation pathways including remote operations, decision support systems, integration with DP, and the evolving role of the human operator. The presentation also highlights the contribution of the International Marine Contractors Association in shaping the safe and pragmatic adoption of automation and autonomy.