PROGRESS is being made towards fully autonomous ships from small-scale containerships to research into AI-driven navigation, reports New York's MarineLog.
As autonomous technology becomes more reliable and widely-used, premiums are likely to stabilise, but for now, insurance remains a significant concern for potential operators.
Autonomous technology introduces new risks, and insurers will need to develop products to cover these risks. As with any new product, premiums are likely to be high in the early stages, as insurers will need to carefully assess the risks and see them play out in the real world.
As a result, insurance providers have yet to provide any significant updates on their proposed approach towards autonomous ships.
Regulation is still developing. The UN's International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is currently working on a Marine Autonomous Surface Ship (MASS) Code that is due to be finalized and then adopted as a voluntary code in May 2025.
This Code is expected to be adopted as mandatory by July 1, 2030, coming into force on January 1, 2032. For now, the regulatory landscape remains sparse, but the IMO's efforts signal the start of a standardised approach.
Autonomous ships will still need to be registered with a flag state, and each flag will have its own requirements.
Classification societies will also play a significant role in setting standards for autonomous ships, just as they do for traditional vessels.
National as well as international regulations could also come into play as countries adapt their policies to this emerging technology. Furthermore, incidents and casualties involving autonomous ships are likely to drive further regulation, especially when it comes to safety requirements.
Whether autonomous ships will become the dominant form of maritime transport remains to be seen, but they are certainly on the horizon.
SeaNews Turkey
As autonomous technology becomes more reliable and widely-used, premiums are likely to stabilise, but for now, insurance remains a significant concern for potential operators.
Autonomous technology introduces new risks, and insurers will need to develop products to cover these risks. As with any new product, premiums are likely to be high in the early stages, as insurers will need to carefully assess the risks and see them play out in the real world.
As a result, insurance providers have yet to provide any significant updates on their proposed approach towards autonomous ships.
Regulation is still developing. The UN's International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is currently working on a Marine Autonomous Surface Ship (MASS) Code that is due to be finalized and then adopted as a voluntary code in May 2025.
This Code is expected to be adopted as mandatory by July 1, 2030, coming into force on January 1, 2032. For now, the regulatory landscape remains sparse, but the IMO's efforts signal the start of a standardised approach.
Autonomous ships will still need to be registered with a flag state, and each flag will have its own requirements.
Classification societies will also play a significant role in setting standards for autonomous ships, just as they do for traditional vessels.
National as well as international regulations could also come into play as countries adapt their policies to this emerging technology. Furthermore, incidents and casualties involving autonomous ships are likely to drive further regulation, especially when it comes to safety requirements.
Whether autonomous ships will become the dominant form of maritime transport remains to be seen, but they are certainly on the horizon.
SeaNews Turkey
