Page 42: of Marine Technology Magazine (Sep/Oct 2026)

Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships

MTR 100 small ones measuring under two meters to 36 meters and are the concerns around it, and how well it works." The beyond, all with varying levels of autonomy. "The major- industry will need to convert the MASS Code's current ity of are remote control...But we're seeing a number of goal-based structure into regulations that can support the players now wanting to have conversations about higher transition, balancing safety and innovation. levels of autonomy and what does that mean?" "I think how we deal with people and how we make sure that these vessels are appropriate for mixing with

IMO MASS Code manned vessels is something that we, and everybody, are

Regulation looks a bit different, however, for MASS, still learning," he added. "There will be vessels that are where it's crucial to understand the entire system and two meters and there will be huge tanker vessels, at some not just the vessel, explained Slater. "We've had to go to point, that will be under remote control or some level that second stage where we have to understand the whole of autonomy beyond what they're doing at the moment. system, even in terms of how the remote operations cen- And how can all that still sit within the MASS Code?" ters (ROCs) are being managed and developed." The With size comes the desire for autonomous dual and mul-

MCA is also one of the key authors of the International tipurpose vessels, posing new challenges for MASS regula-

Maritime Organization's (IMO) MASS Code, adopted tion. Ship operators are looking away from limited fuel in May 2026. supplies and towards remote-controlled options, stretch-

While the Code is currently non-mandatory, Slater sees ing the time possible at sea. "That can be done with the the MCA's involvement, including current involvement, level of technology we have," Slater acknowledged.

as crucial. "We need to look at our existing regulations

Demystifying digitization and how we would implement the MASS Code...The only way it works is if there's data collected to support Beyond MASS, the MCA and UKMIH are also at the the work—how our vessels are going to abide by it, what forefront of industry-wide trends like decarbonization 42 September/October 2026

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