The MASS Code is soon to be a mandatory instrument within the international shipping industry
by Nicholas G. Gerassimou,
Maritime Lawyer & Vice President
of the Hellenic Association of Maritime Law
Nicholas G. Gerassimou
The recent approval by the IMO of the Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Code has, for the first time at the international level, established an important framework for the operation of autonomous vessels, i.e., unmanned vessels operated by a Remote Operating Centre (ROC) or fully autonomous vessels. The above MASS Code is not man datory for the time being. It is estimated, however, that, based on the outcome of the development of a framework for an Experience-Building Phase (EBP) and the subsequent review of that framework by the relevant sub-committees, the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) will consider various amendments to SOLAS, leading to the adoption of the final MASS Code by 1 July 2030. It will then become mandatory, and it is expected to enter into force on 1 January 2032.
