International Maritime Organization Adopts World’s First International Code For Autonomous Ships

The International Maritime Organization has adopted the world’s first international regulatory framework governing autonomous commercial ships.

The new International Code of Safety for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships, known as the MASS Code, was adopted during the 111th session of the Maritime Safety Committee in London.

The framework is designed to support the safe deployment of autonomous and remotely controlled vessels while maintaining safety, accountability and human oversight in international shipping.

The development comes as shipowners, technology firms and regulators accelerate efforts to introduce automation into commercial shipping, with trials involving remotely operated and semi-autonomous vessels already taking place across several regions.

The adoption of a global framework is expected to provide regulatory clarity for operators developing autonomous cargo ship technology for international trade routes.

According to the IMO, the MASS Code establishes a goal-based framework intended to ensure autonomous ships are designed, operated and certified to safety and environmental standards equivalent to those applied to conventional vessels.

The Code will apply to large internationally trading cargo ships and is scheduled to take effect from July 1, 2026.

It will initially remain voluntary for at least two years, allowing member states and industry participants to test implementation before possible mandatory adoption under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

In a statement published on social media, the IMO described the adoption as “the first-ever MASS Code – a global framework for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships,” calling it a milestone that places the organization “at the forefront of regulating emerging technologies, enabling innovation while keeping safety, accountability and the human element central to shipping.”

A Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship is defined under the framework as a vessel capable of operating with varying levels of independence from human interaction.

This includes ships using automated systems with crew onboard, remotely controlled vessels operating with or without crew, and fully autonomous ships capable of making decisions independently.

The framework also states that onboard and remote crews responsible for MASS operations must retain the ability to exercise human oversight and control, including interpreting system outputs, supervising automated functions and overriding system-initiated decisions when required.

The organization previously launched a regulatory scoping exercise in 2021 to examine how existing international conventions covering navigation, safety, training, liability, search and rescue, and port operations would apply to autonomous vessels.

According to IMO documents, the MASS Code covers operational and technical areas including remote operations, cybersecurity, navigation safety, connectivity, machinery systems, cargo handling, watchkeeping, fire protection and search-and-rescue obligations.

The framework identifies four levels of autonomy, ranging from conventional ships using automated decision-support systems to fully autonomous vessels capable of operating without direct human involvement.

Industry and regulatory discussions surrounding autonomous shipping have increasingly focused on legal accountability, the role of a ship’s master during remote operations, liability linked to autonomous decision-making systems and the responsibilities of shore-based operators.

References: shippingtelegraph, porttechnology