The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) met for its 109th session at the IMO Headquarters in London from 2 to 6 December 2024, where the development of a Code for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) was discussed.
The Committee continued its work to develop a Code to regulate autonomous ships, with re-establishing the WG on MASS. The Committee noted the progress at the WG, in particular it finalized chapters 7 (Risk Assessment), 12 (Connectivity), which was relocated to new chapter 17bis, and 18 (Search and Rescue) of the draft MASS Code.
Do you know what MASS stands for?
According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), “Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship (MASS)” refers to a ship which, to a varying degree, can operate independent of human interaction. These autonomous ships represent a significant advancement in the field of maritime transportation and have the potential to revolutionise the shipping industry in several ways.
Levels of autonomy
The degrees of autonomy identified for the purpose of the scoping, according to the IMO:
- Degree one: Ship with automated processes and decision support. Seafarers are on board to operate and control shipboard systems and functions. Some operations may be automated and, at times, unsupervised, but with seafarers on board ready to take control.
- Degree two: a remotely controlled ship with seafarers on board. The ship is controlled and operated from another location. Seafarers are available on board to take control and operate the shipboard systems and functions.
- Degree three: Remotely controlled ship without seafarers on board: The ship is controlled and operated from another location. There are no seafarers on board.
- Degree four: Fully autonomous ship: The operating system of the ship is able to make decisions and determine actions by itself.
Given the remaining work to be done, the Committee agreed to a revised road map for developing the MASS Code, subject to further revision when necessary:
- May 2026 – finalize and adopt non-mandatory MASS Code;
- December 2026 – develop a framework for an Experience-building phase (EBP) post adoption of the non-mandatory MASS Code;
- 2028 – commence development of the mandatory MASS Code, based on the non-mandatory Code and result from the EBP and review conducted by the relevant sub-committees, and consider amendments to SOLAS (new chapter) for the Code’s adoption;
- By 1 July 2030 – adoption of the mandatory Code, for entry into force on 1 Jan 2032.
Previously, the IMO Legal Committee (LEG) met for its 111th from 22 to 26 April 2024, where a roadmap for addressing legal issues related to MASS was approved. Under that roadmap, the Committee is expected to:
- LEG 112 (Spring, 2025): assess the finalized non-mandatory MASS Code and consider a need for amendments to, or interpretations of, treaties under the purview of the Legal Committee based on the outcomes of the MASS-JWG, MSC and FAL; consider proposals to develop guidelines on the implementation of LEG instruments by MASS;
- LEG 113 (Spring, 2026): assess the approved mandatory MASS Code and consider a need for amendments to, or interpretations of, treaties under the purview of the Legal Committee;
- LEG 114 (Spring, 2027): adopt or approve amendments to, or interpretations of, treaties under the purview of the Legal Committee.
