Partner Mark Johnson, Counsel Fiona Cain and Trainee Solicitor Kayley Rousell authored an article in Ship Technology Global discussing how new regulations coming this year will affect the development and operation of autonomous vessels. Read an excerpt below:
There have been significant developments with respect to the regulation of autonomous vessels, including Remotely Operated Manned Vessels (ROUVs) and Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), in recent weeks – both domestically within the UK and at an international level. Following a public consultation by the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) for a new statutory instrument, The Merchant Shipping Small Workboats and Pilot Boats Regulations 2023 and its accompanying Workboat Code Edition 3 in 2022, the MCA has released the results of this consultation and the corresponding feedback. Separately, the IMO has published the outcomes of the April 2023 meeting of the Joint Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), Legal Committee, and Facilitation Committee Working Group on MASS (the Working Group), which recorded meaningful developments in respect of key definitions and regulatory concepts.
To read the full article in Ship Technology Global, click here.