Assessing the adequacy of current international regulations on autonomous ships

Posted: February 29th, 2024

Assessing the adequacy of current international regulations on autonomous ships

The maritime industry is undergoing a significant transformation with the advent of autonomous ships. These vessels, equipped with advanced technologies and artificial intelligence, have the potential to revolutionize maritime transportation by enhancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability (Rødseth & Burmeister, 2018). However, the deployment of autonomous ships also poses challenges to the existing regulatory framework, which was designed for conventional manned vessels. This research essay aims to assess the adequacy of current international regulations on autonomous ships and identify areas that require further development to ensure the safe and efficient operation of these vessels.

Overview of Autonomous Ships
Autonomous ships are vessels that can operate independently of human control, either remotely or through onboard decision-making systems. These ships utilize advanced technologies such as sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence algorithms to navigate, avoid obstacles, and make decisions (Komianos, 2018). The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has classified autonomous ships into four degrees of autonomy, ranging from remotely controlled vessels with seafarers onboard to fully autonomous ships without any human intervention (IMO, 2018).

The development of autonomous ships is driven by several factors, including the potential to reduce human errors, which account for approximately 75-96% of marine accidents (Ożoga & Montewka, 2019). Additionally, autonomous ships can optimize fuel consumption, reduce crew costs, and improve operational efficiency. However, the deployment of autonomous ships also raises concerns regarding safety, cybersecurity, and the legal implications of accidents involving these vessels.

Current International Regulations
The current international regulatory framework for shipping is primarily based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the IMO conventions. These regulations were designed for manned vessels and do not explicitly address the unique challenges posed by autonomous ships (Ringbom, 2019).

The IMO has recognized the need to address the regulatory challenges associated with autonomous ships. In 2018, the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) initiated a regulatory scoping exercise to determine how the existing international conventions and regulations apply to ships with varying degrees of autonomy (IMO, 2018). The scoping exercise aims to identify any gaps or barriers in the current regulatory framework and propose amendments or new regulations as necessary.

Gaps and Challenges in Current Regulations
The regulatory scoping exercise conducted by the IMO has identified several gaps and challenges in the current international regulations concerning autonomous ships:

1. Definition and terminology: The lack of a clear and internationally accepted definition of autonomous ships and related terms can lead to inconsistencies in the application of regulations (Karlis, 2018).

2. Manning and training requirements: The current regulations on manning and training are based on the presence of seafarers onboard. Autonomous ships may require different manning and training requirements, such as remote operators and specialized technical personnel (Rødseth & Nordahl, 2019).

3. Liability and responsibility: The existing liability and responsibility frameworks may not adequately address situations involving autonomous ships, particularly in cases of accidents or incidents (Karlis, 2018).

4. Cybersecurity: Autonomous ships are highly dependent on digital systems and networks, making them vulnerable to cyber threats. The current regulations do not sufficiently address the cybersecurity aspects of autonomous ships (Gu & Bo, 2020).

5. Interaction with manned vessels: The coexistence of autonomous and manned vessels in the same maritime environment may require additional regulations to ensure safe navigation and collision avoidance (Komianos, 2018).

Recommendations for Regulatory Development
To address the gaps and challenges identified in the current international regulations on autonomous ships, the following recommendations are proposed:

1. Develop clear definitions and terminology: The IMO should establish a common understanding of autonomous ships and related terms to ensure consistency in the application of regulations (Karlis, 2018).

2. Adapt manning and training requirements: The IMO should develop guidelines for the manning and training of personnel involved in the operation of autonomous ships, considering the unique skills and competencies required (Rødseth & Nordahl, 2019).

3. Clarify liability and responsibility frameworks: The IMO should review and update the existing liability and responsibility frameworks to address the specific challenges posed by autonomous ships, ensuring that responsibilities are clearly defined and allocated (Karlis, 2018).

4. Enhance cybersecurity measures: The IMO should develop cybersecurity guidelines and best practices specifically tailored to autonomous ships, addressing the unique risks and vulnerabilities associated with these vessels (Gu & Bo, 2020).

5. Establish rules for the interaction between autonomous and manned vessels: The IMO should develop guidelines and regulations for the safe navigation and interaction of autonomous and manned vessels, ensuring that both types of vessels can operate safely in the same maritime environment (Komianos, 2018).

Conclusion
The current international regulations on autonomous ships are not fully adequate to address the unique challenges posed by these vessels. The IMO’s regulatory scoping exercise has identified several gaps and challenges, including the lack of clear definitions, the need for adapted manning and training requirements, the clarification of liability and responsibility frameworks, the enhancement of cybersecurity measures, and the establishment of rules for the interaction between autonomous and manned vessels.

To ensure the safe and efficient deployment of autonomous ships, the IMO and the maritime industry must work together to develop and implement the necessary regulatory frameworks. This process will require ongoing research, collaboration, and adaptation as the technology and operational practices of autonomous ships continue to evolve. By addressing the identified gaps and challenges, the international maritime community can create a robust and effective regulatory environment that supports the safe and sustainable integration of autonomous ships into the global shipping industry.

References:
Gu, Y., & Bo, L. (2020). Cybersecurity challenges and solutions for autonomous ships. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 8(8), 583. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8080583

International Maritime Organization (IMO). (2018). Regulatory scoping exercise for the use of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/Pages/08-MSC-99-MASS-scoping.aspx

Karlis, T. (2018). Maritime law issues related to the operation of unmanned autonomous cargo ships. WMU Journal of Maritime Affairs, 17(1), 119-128. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13437-018-0135-6

Komianos, A. (2018). The autonomous shipping era. Operational, regulatory, and quality challenges. TransNav: International Journal on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation, 12(2), 335-348. https://doi.org/10.12716/1001.12.02.15

Ożoga, B., & Montewka, J. (2019). Towards a framework for assessing potential impact of unmanned vessels on maritime transportation safety. Reliability Engineering & System Safety, 191, 106589. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ress.2019.106589

Ringbom, H. (2019). Regulating autonomous ships—concepts, challenges and precedents. Ocean Development & International Law, 50(2-3), 141-169. https://doi.org/10.1080/00908320.2019.1582593

Rødseth, Ø. J., & Burmeister, H. C. (2018). Developments toward the unmanned ship. In Proceedings of the International Symposium Information on Ships (ISIS 2012) (pp. 30-31). Hamburg, Germany.

Rødseth, Ø. J., & Nordahl, H. (2019). Definition for autonomous merchant ships. Norwegian University of Science and Technology.