Captainless Ships: Maritime Autonomous Shipping Services (MASS)

MASS is the new mass in Shipping. As technology engulfs humankind like a pandemic, we should understand the new-age shipping technology that the International Maritime Organization calls Maritime Autonomous Shipping Service ( MASS). Imagine you are operating a ship, sailing through the Atlantic through a predetermined route guided by Artificial Intelligence and human intellect only overseeing its voyage. Well, that is possible in the future.

Yes, we are talking about remotely operated vessels. Based on the evolution of such technologies, IMO divides such vessels into four degrees. The first degree is simple automated ships will have their functions and processes managed by an in-house crew who only manages the technology. These ships will be hybrid with the crew able to operate by themselves. Some operations will be supervised while some will be automated.? The second degree is the next stage where operation of the ship will be done remotely but the ship will have a?manned crew to supervise. The third degree is when the vessel is remotely controlled with no seafarers onboarded. The fourth degree of MASS is when a Ship is independent and?fully operated by systems on board which will be a Ship without a Captain. The Onboard IA systems will make the necessary decisions for the?voyage.

Envisaging such a technologically enabled maritime sector IMO conducted a regulatory exercise in 2021 where issues related to Safety, Contractual provision, Maritime regulations, and technology management were discussed and the need to develop a MASS code was decided upon with the following milestones

1.?????? Develop and finalize a set of Non-Mandatory Codes by 2025

2.?????? Adopt the Code mandatorily by July 1 20230 for entry into force by 1st January 2032

The MASS codes will be prepared after assessing all existing mandates like the?MARPOL convention, SOLAS, and?STCW, which will analyze risks and legal provisions and shall have details on the terminology of the codes. It also involves integrating global shipping information systems, standards on bunkering, roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, etc. A legal committee will evaluate provisions of contracts and certifications as well

The technology aspect of MASS is also to be reviewed in terms of communication technologies, and?environmental data sensors which give information on speed, obstacles, traffic weather, etc. All these data need to be integrated into an algorithm enabling effective decision-making for the voyage that the chief engineer or Captain of the ship normally makes. This technological transition, risks, and challenges should be evaluated well in advance, and operating procedures and guidelines defined.

MASS is now in a very nascent stage and there are reports of Chinese and Russians developing prototypes of the first two degrees, especially in developing MASS weapon systems. Chinese State Ship Building Corporation experimented with an underwater remote-controlled vessel named Thunderer A 200 which has 280 tons in weight, and 45-meter length with twin engines having 35 knots suitable to carry short-range missiles. A few organizations like Zuhi Associates of Belgium, Fugro in Dutch, Clearbot in Hong Kong, Ocean Infinity from the?UK, and Ocean Engineering Inc. from the US have started working on the concept. Machine manufacturers like Rolls Royce, Wartsilla, Hyundai,??Northrop Grumman, and liners like Mitsue and MSC are also in these waters. While the MASS codes are formulated this sector is expected to be a multi-billion Industry.

India Navy is also making remotely controlled fast intercepting boats for military purposes. It was also reported that the Indian Registrar of Shipping (IRS) in collaboration with Mazagon Dock developed a tug boat with autonomous technology named MT Andaman. IRS has also developed a few guidelines on the safety, dependability, risk, and operation of such vessels.

While Autonomous Shipping is still in the?early stage, on a futuristic view the transition to MASS technology holds the potential to reshape the maritime industry fundamentally. This future of "captainless" ships calls for changes in maritime education, training institutions, and the broader maritime ecosystem, preparing for a new era where IA-managed vessels could dominate.

Captains, Are you listening?

(Rajesh Menon is a maritime expert )

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