(www.MaritimeCyprus.com) Autonomy in maritime allows for improvements in efficiency, safety, and sustainability, but the human role remains essential to oversight and intervention.
The advent of MASS represents a pivotal moment in maritime history, presenting both challenges and opportunities that demand immediate attention. As we transition towards this new era, it is imperative that the industry addresses the development of the regulatory and assurance frameworks necessary to secure the operational safety of MASS.
The current standards established by the STCW, COLREGs and SOLAS conventions have provided a solid foundation for maritime safety and operation. However, the introduction of MASS necessitates a thorough review and augmentation of these frameworks to accommodate the unique challenges and requirements posed by autonomy.
As the collective custodians of maritime safety and standards, all stakeholders in the industry must collaborate to successfully adapt legacy frameworks to accommodate the nuances of MASS. This requires a focused effort to identify gaps, develop comprehensive
standards, and establish robust assurance mechanisms. It is essential that we pool our expertise and resources to develop regulations and assurance pathways tailored specifically for the safe operation of MASS that are internationally acceptable. This includes establishing protocols for autonomous navigation, collision avoidance and emergency response, among other critical areas.
We propose that a multi-stakeholder collaboration is formed, between governments, as funding partners, Regulators and their recognised organisations in maritime, and key industry stakeholders, including ship operators, ports and other identified participants
in the sector. The main purpose of this collaborative effort would be to define the steps necessary to adequately adapt COLREGs, STCW and SOLAS to facilitate the safe operation of MASS, in line with the ongoing advancements in autonomous systems technologies.
Such development could be undertaken within a structure of linked – but independently framed – Regulatory sandboxes, formed to deliver this intended outcome, and working to provide evidence-based results within the timeframe required for integration into the MASS Code.
By working together, the maritime industry can lay the foundation for the safe and efficient integration of MASS into global operations, leveraging our collective expertise to develop and refine the regulations required. This collaborative effort would not only facilitate innovation and technological advancement but also ensure the highest standards of safety,
security, and environmental protection – ensuring that the full potential of autonomous shipping in the maritime industry can be realised.
This comprehensive new research titled “Marime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS): creating a framework for efficiency, safety and compliance” delves into the intricacies of MASS, outlining its potential to address critical issues facing the maritime sector today, including operational efficiency, safety improvements, and regulatory compliance.
The report emphasizes the importance of placing the human at the center of autonomy, advocating for the integration of applied human intelligence within MASS technologies. This human-centric approach ensures that the evolution of autonomous systems in maritime will enhance, rather than replace, the critical analysis and decision-making roles.
The report also introduces the regulatory sandboxes, as MASS testbeds, which foster innovation and collaboration among stakeholders while ensuring safety.
This comprehensive study delves into the transformative potential of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships and provides a roadmap for the maritime industry to address critical challenges through the adoption of advanced AI & autonomy technologies.
In this report, you will have the opportunity to:
- Explore how MASS can reduce human error, responsible for 78% of maritime accidents, while empowering seafarers with advanced tools and support systems.
- Learn how Remote Operation Centres (ROCs) and Bridge Navigation Assist systems are reshaping seafaring responsibilities, balancing autonomy with critical human oversight.
- Understand the steps needed to adapt COLREGs, STCW, and SOLAS frameworks for autonomous operations, ensuring legal and ethical alignment.
- Delve into the role of Regulatory Sandboxes and international collaboration in building safety and reliability for autonomous maritime operations.
For more details, you can download below the report developed by Lloyd's Register and MOL (Mitsui OSK Lines):
Source: Lloyd's Register
For more Guides and Resources on Maritime Autonomous ships, click HERE.
