A conceptual illustration of an unmanned autonomous ship. Image courtesy ABS
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) continues its work to develop a regulatory framework for autonomous ships in response to rapidly evolving technology. The Joint MSC-LEG-FAL Working Group on Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) held its second session last week at the IMO Headquarters in London. The event was preceded by a seminar discussing legal issues concerning MASS.
The joint working group aims to address high-priority safety, legal, and facilitation issues regarding MASS and to identify any regulatory gaps. Key agreements reached during the meeting included the need for a human master responsible for an autonomous vessel, the possibility of the master not being on board but having the means to intervene when necessary, and that only a single Remote Operations Centre (ROC) should be responsible for an autonomous vessel at any given time.
Further topics to be considered include conditions under which a master may be responsible for multiple autonomous vessels simultaneously and the roles and responsibilities of autonomous vessel crew members. An updated Work Plan was agreed upon, pending approval by the three Committees.
The third session of the Joint MSC-LEG-FAL Working Group on MASS will take place in September, with a seminar on implications, challenges, and opportunities of MASS operations for ports and public authorities before the meeting.
Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.
Join the 108,916 members that receive our newsletter.
Have a news tip? Let us know.
German container shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd has reported positive preliminary financial results for 2024, with increased transport volumes and stable freight rates driving improved performance. The company achieved a Group EBITDA...
By Akayla Gardner and Josh Wingrove (Bloomberg) — President Donald Trump said he would follow through on his threat to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico on Feb....
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino on Thursday ruled out discussing control over the Panama Canal in a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is set to visit the Central American country in his first official trip abroad this weekend.
Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 108,916 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
