Autonomous Shipping and Maritime Law: Navigating the Regulatory Unknown

My name is Davide Ramponi, I’m 20 years old and currently training as a shipping agent in Hamburg. On this blog, I take you with me on my journey into the exciting world of shipping. I share my knowledge, my experiences, and my progress toward becoming an expert in the field of Sale and Purchase – the trade with ships.

Today’s topic is one that’s no longer just futuristic theory—it’s becoming maritime reality. I’m talking about autonomous ships. From fully unmanned cargo vessels to partially automated bridge systems, shipping is entering a new technological era.

But the technology is racing ahead—can maritime law keep up?

In this post, we’ll explore how the global regulatory system is adapting (or struggling) to accommodate autonomy at sea. What are the legal frameworks in place? Who’s liable if something goes wrong? And how should shipowners prepare for a future where crews may be optional?

Let’s dive into the complex but fascinating world of autonomous shipping regulation. 🚢🤖

🌐 Where We Stand: The Legal Status of Autonomous Vessels

Autonomous ships—often referred to as MASS (Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships)—do not currently fit neatly into the existing international legal framework. Most maritime law is still built around the assumption that a human crew is onboard.

📜 IMO’s Role

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has taken the lead in developing a future regulatory approach. In 2017, it launched a regulatory scoping exercise to analyze how existing conventions apply to autonomous ships.

Key conventions under review include:

• SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea)

• COLREG (Collision Regulations)

• STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping)

• MARPOL (Pollution prevention)

📌 Result so far? 

There is no dedicated convention for autonomous shipping yet—but many existing rules partially apply, depending on the level of autonomy.

⚠️ Classification of Autonomy (IMO):

1. Degree 1 – Manned ship with automated processes

2. Degree 2 – Remotely controlled but with crew on board

3. Degree 3 – Fully remote, no onboard crew

4. Degree 4 – Fully autonomous, system makes decisions without human input

🚨 Challenge: 

The higher the degree, the fewer regulations currently fit.

⚖️ Who’s Liable When There’s No Crew?

This is one of the biggest legal dilemmas: Who is responsible if an autonomous ship collides, pollutes, or causes damage?

Traditional maritime law assumes:

• A master is in command of the ship

• A crew is responsible for safe navigation

• Shipowners or charterers hold liability for damage

But what happens when:

• There's no master onboard?

• A remote operator loses connection?

• The AI makes the wrong decision?

🤔 Possible Liability Scenarios:

• Shipowner still holds primary responsibility under current conventions

• System developers or manufacturers may be liable in case of design faults

• Remote operators could be seen as "the master" under a reinterpreted COLREG/STCW

💡 Key point: 

Until a new convention emerges, shipowners must be ready to assume default liability for autonomous systems.

🔒 Compliance with Safety and Technical Standards

Just because a vessel is unmanned doesn’t mean it escapes safety rules. In fact, compliance becomes even more important.

📋 What do autonomous ships need to comply with?

• SOLAS requirements for equipment and fire safety

• COLREG rules for safe navigation and collision avoidance

• STCW—though currently human-focused, it may evolve into standards for remote operators

⚙️ Classification societies like DNV, Lloyd’s Register, and ABS are already issuing guidance for MASS certification and automation readiness levels.

🚢 Example: 

The Norwegian ferry “Yara Birkeland” received approval under a special exemption framework. It’s the first commercial autonomous vessel to operate with zero crew—but only within strict coastal limits.

🧭 The Operational Grey Zone: Real-World Challenges

Despite progress, there are real operational questions that remain unanswered:

1. ⚠️ International Waters vs. Coastal Jurisdiction

• Autonomous vessels may be allowed in coastal zones (e.g. Norway, Japan), but what happens in international waters?

• Will flag states recognize full autonomy?

2. 🚨 Port State Control

• How do inspectors board and inspect an unmanned ship?

• Are automated logbooks and incident reports compliant?

3. 📡 Connectivity and Cybersecurity

• Remote control depends on satellite links—but what if they fail?

• Autonomous vessels may be targets for cyberattacks or GPS spoofing

💬 Imagine this: 

An unmanned bulk carrier enters the wrong traffic separation scheme due to GPS spoofing. Who’s notified? Who responds?

🔮 What’s Next? Future Regulatory Scenarios

The IMO is currently working on a MASS Code—a future legal instrument that will serve as the foundation for fully autonomous shipping.

What could it include?

• 📄 Certification and training for remote operators

• 🛰️ Requirements for onboard fail-safes and override capabilities

• ⚖️ Revised liability frameworks to include AI-based navigation

• 🧾 Logbooks and decision logs maintained by onboard systems

• 🚨 Protocols for port access, inspection, and emergency override

📅 Target adoption:

Late 2025 to 2028, according to industry sources.

✅ How Can Shipowners Prepare Now?

Even in the absence of a global MASS convention, there are concrete steps you can take today.

1. 📚 Study Flag State Guidelines

Some flag states (e.g. Norway, Finland, Singapore) already allow autonomous trials under national law. Familiarize yourself with:

• Application procedures

• Remote operation rules

• Safety assessment standards

2. 🤖 Evaluate Automation Readiness

Use classification society frameworks to assess:

• Your ship’s automation level (AL1–AL6)

• Cyber risk preparedness

• Human oversight needs during transition

3. ⚖️ Update Your Liability and Insurance Policies

Check with your P&I club and insurers:

• Are autonomous operations covered?

• Do you need cyber-specific endorsements?

• Who is liable in mixed-control scenarios?

🛡️ Tip: Some clubs now offer “autonomy riders” to traditional hull insurance.

4. 🧠 Invest in Crew & Shore-Based Training

If you're considering semi-autonomous operations:

• Train crew to interface with AI systems

• Prepare land-based operators for watchkeeping responsibilities

• Create incident protocols for loss of control scenarios

🧰 Compliance Checklist for Autonomous Shipping

Here’s your high-level checklist for regulatory readiness:

✅ Before Implementation:

• Review flag state positions on autonomy

• Consult class societies for certification

• Identify required fail-safes and override systems

⚙️ During Trials:

• Keep real-time data logs

• Maintain dual-control capabilities (AI + manual)

• Simulate cyber incident responses

📑 After Deployment:

• Align SMS with autonomy protocols

• Ensure liability clarity with insurers

• Conduct regular legal and technical audits

🧭 Final Thoughts: Law Must Catch Up with the Helm

Autonomous shipping isn’t science fiction—it’s arriving at ports faster than regulations can evolve. While the IMO and national bodies are working toward comprehensive frameworks, shipowners must be proactive.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• Current maritime law doesn’t fully accommodate autonomous vessels

• Liability defaults to the shipowner unless otherwise defined

• Safety compliance still applies—especially under SOLAS and COLREG

• Future MASS regulations are in development, but not yet binding

• Preparing now with legal, technical, and operational strategies gives you a competitive edge

Will your fleet be ready for the unmanned era? Are you already exploring autonomous shipping in your operations?

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments — I look forward to the exchange!

---

---