The British Ports Association (BPA) published a report authored by Setfords Solicitors on Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and the challenges and opportunities for UK ports.
Published at the beginning of ‘Maritime UK Week’, the report describes the opportunities for UK ports in preparing for new MASS. Initially MASS are most likely to be used for short sea and coastal traffic. This could be within UK and Irish domestic, territorial and inland waters for potentially UK-flagged and registered merchant ships/cargo ships. The primary reason for this is that it will probably take some while for the IMO’s regulatory review to be completed, and the regulatory framework of a single nation will move more quickly.
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In addition, coastal shipping could be one of the first parts of the UK maritime sector to embrace autonomous shipping and the BPA is encouraging ports to consider the implications on their operations.
The report also makes a number of recommendations for ports interested in leading in this fast-emerging area, including smaller ports who could gain early from autonomous or semi-autonomous coastal shipping and feeder traffic. There are also recommendations for the UK Government in reviewing UK legislation and regulations to make sure they are up to date and can accommodate new technological opportunities.
However, there will be some challenges. Some of them will be in the areas of operations and management, safety, security, cyber security and breakdowns in communication systems.
There will also be changes to quays for berthing, nevertheless this could increase jobs at ports, as it requires high levels of technical skill by shore based operators and back up service providers. The same set of skills will be needed for re-assessment of costs and payment for this new market, which may have an impact on harbour dues and other commercial agreements.
The report also makes some recommendations for harbour authorities, including reviewing harbour byelaws to check they could accommodate MASS.
You can see the full report in the PDF herebelow
