Symposium on ʺMaking headway on the IMO MASS Code”

A non-mandatory goal-based MASS Code is due to take effect in 2025) to establish a robust safety regime for autonomous ships that ensures safety of life at sea, as well as safety of cargo on board and of the MASS itself. The symposium was held a day before IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee met for its 107th session (31 May-9 June) with the aim of contributing to the development of the MASS Code and to establish a network for international cooperation.  

IMO Secretary-General, Kitack Lim, opened the symposium, noting how fast the technology behind MASS is developing and describing it as “one of the most exciting technical developments IMO is currently working on”. Mr Lim went on: 

“While the development of autonomous and remote operations technology continues, IMO standards must keep pace to ensure the safe, secure, and environmentally sound operation of remotely operated and autonomous vessels.” 

The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United Kingdom, Yeocheol Yoon, said: 

“The introduction of MASS will bring about a lot of changes in the roles and systems of seafarers, ships, ports, and search and rescue activities on the oceans. It means that if this change is inevitable, the MASS Code should be established in a productive and feasible way...It is critical to communicate, cooperate and share knowledge with all stakeholders.” 

Advances in MASS technology 

The first of the day’s three sessions focused on technological advances in the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and Norway. Scientists from the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering outlined their work on the development and testing of an intelligent navigation system for MASS called NEMO. It has undergone simulated and virtual testing as well as Inland Water Model Tests and is now being installed on a ship with a view to testing it at sea this summer.  

The classification society, Korean Register, explained their project on condition based maintenance (CBM) technology for a ship's engine system which involves monitoring machine conditions and predicting failure. They hope to design and commission CBM systems for demonstration vessels after 2024. 

The United Kingdom Maritime and Coastguard Agency told symposium participants about ongoing work on identifying barriers, gaps and challenges in developing a regulatory and certification system for MASS. The point was made that many of the stakeholders in the field are not “the stalwarts of the maritime sector” but technology start-ups who approach the matter from a different perspective.  

Norway, with its 2650 km coastline, is trying to move much of its road freight traffic to the sea and already has many car ferries operating. Along with a good business case for the introduction of remotely controlled shipping, it sees sustainability as one of the main benefits of MASS, as long as it is safe. Norway’s speaker acknowledged that human operators need to be able to step in, even in full automation, in certain situations.     

Innovation and regulation  

The symposium’s second session heard from industry about how innovation in autonomous operation technology and the MASS Code might impact each other. Participants saw simulated demonstrations from Korean companies such as Samsung Heavy Industries and HD Hyundai of systems they are trialling, for example autonomous navigation systems using a combination of artificial intelligence, satellite technology and cameras.   

Discussions covered areas including how the establishment of the MASS Code might either stimulate or inhibit innovation; the need to balance economic needs with societal benefits as drivers for design; and that autonomous shipping, rather than being a goal in itself, should be viewed as a way to reduce human error, improve energy efficiency and generate new jobs.  

Ports and autonomous shipping  

The digitalization of ports and the link between MASS and ports was explored in the symposium’s final session.  

The Incheon Port Authority outlined the process of digitalizing processes at Incheon Port, Republic of Korea’s second largest port, as an illustration of how digitalization will help support autonomous vessels in future. AEGIS SINTEF Ocean is nearing the end of its three-and-a-half-year project to develop the next generation sustainable waterborne transport system using small, flexible “feeder”  ships, autonomous cranes and terminals, and digitalized processes. 

Busan Port Authority gave details of its SMART Port Strategy which aims to turn Busan into one of the world’s top three smart ports by 2030 - in part through automation and digitalization.  

Heike Deggim, Director, IMO Maritime Safety Division, closed the event by saying it had provided food for thought as the MASS Code is further developed and thanked contributors for their perspectives which, she said, would assist in the establishment of a sound legal framework for the safe operation of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships. 

Read more about autonomous shipping here.  

Read more about the MSC’s 107th session (31 May-9 June) here.