The Development of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships: Regulatory Challenges and the Way Forward

Abstract

This article investigates the legal and regulatory challenges associated with the development of maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) as well as the extent to which MASS also referred to as autonomous ships may proffer solutions to the problem of human error often associated with maritime accidents. There is no denying that ship mishaps have been linked to a human error within the maritime industry over the years. Hence, exploring solutions that would help reduce maritime mishaps while also saving costs is an eminent step going forward. In addition to the lack of explicit legal framework to regulate the development of MASS, the article demonstrates how the extent conventions and rules may pose legal barriers and regulatory challenges to the development of autonomous shipping. It recommends progressive interpretation of the extant laws as well as the need to adopt international legal framework in the form of a MASS code, new convention on autonomous shipping or the amendment of extent laws especially the Law of the Sea Convention and rules of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in order to clarify states and stakeholders’ obligations in relation to autonomous shipping.