Page 20: of Marine Technology Magazine (Jul/Aug 2026)

MARITIME AUTONOMY

MASS MOMENTUM: MASS MOMENTUM:

Making Maritime Autonomy Technology Fit for PurposeMaking Maritime Autonomy Technology Fit for Purpose © Andrey VP/ Adobe Stock

With a regulatory framework crystallizing, understanding how autonomy ? ts with operational requirements and human factors are key to successful adoption.

By Michael Kei, ABS Vice President, Technology he global momentum for maritime autonomous sur- carefully about the regulatory, technical and human element face ships (MASS) is accelerating, and the Inter- of autonomy. It also highlights the responsibility placed on national Maritime Organization (IMO) is moving regulatory bodies to offer strong oversight.

Tdecisively to support the evolution of autonomous The adoption in May this year by the IMO of the non-man- shipping into a practical and commercial reality. datory International Code of Safety for Maritime Autonomous

As the conversation has matured following an extended pe- Surface Ships (MASS Code) is designed to support the safe riod of consultation, the focus is shifting from early ideas of integration of autonomous and remotely operated commercial fully unmanned ships to a more realistic spectrum of super- ships into global shipping.

vised, autonomous and remotely supported operations. This The MASS Code sets out a comprehensive, goal-based frame- re? ects a growing understanding that autonomy is not a single work to help ensure that remotely controlled or autonomous destination; rather it is a continuum that still relies on human ships are designed and operated to a level of safety, security involvement, whether onboard or ashore. and environmental protection that is expected of a convention-

MASS’ gradual evolution has prompted the industry to think al ship—and with future compliance requirements in mind.

The development of the regulations saw the International

Association of Classi? cation Societies bring forward critical insights and technical guidance around this technological in- novation’s operational realities.

Fit for Purpose Autonomy

For vessel owners and operators, autonomy is not always the ultimate goal or single end-state, but rather a tool that can be applied at different levels depending on the operational needs.

In that sense, the higher levels of autonomy are not always better. The ‘right’ level depends on the operational context, risk pro? le and human involvement required, and different operations may require different degrees of autonomy.

Autonomy is a journey, and its incremental steps should be developed through a gradual, safety focused progression that introduces new capabilities in controlled phases. Early steps may rely on advanced, non autonomous decision support © evannovostro / Adobe Stock 20 July/August 2026

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