Citation: Issa, M.; Ilinca, A.; Ibrahim,
H.; Rizk, P. Maritime Autonomous
Surface Ships: Problems and
Challenges Facing the Regulatory
Process. Sustainability 2022, 14, 15630.
https://doi.org/10.3390/
su142315630
Academic Editors: Luis
Hernández-Callejo, Sergio
Nesmachnow and Sara Gallardo
Saavedra
Received: 11 October 2022
Accepted: 22 November 2022
Published: 24 November 2022
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Article
Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships: Problems and Challenges
Facing the Regulatory Process
Mohamad Issa
1,2,
* , Adrian Ilinca
2
, Hussein Ibrahim
3
and Patrick Rizk
2
1
Institut Maritime du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, QC G5L 4B4, Canada
2
Département de Génie, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, QC G5L 3A1, Canada
3
Centre de Recherche d’Innovation en Intelligence Énergétique, Sept-Îles, QC G4R 5B7, Canada
* Correspondence: missa@imq.qc.ca
Abstract:
Technological innovation constantly transforms and redefines the human element’s po-
sition inside complex socio-technical systems. Autonomous operations are in various phases of
development and practical deployment across several transport domains, with marine operations
still in their infancy. This article discusses current trends in developing autonomous vessels and some
of the most recent initiatives worldwide. It also investigates the individual and combined effects
of maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) on regulations, technology, and sectors in reaction
to the new marine paradigm change. Other essential topics, such as safety, security, jobs, training,
and legal and ethical difficulties, are also considered to develop a solution for efficient, dependable,
safe, and sustainable shipping in the near future. Finally, it is advised that holistic approaches to
building the technology and regulatory framework be used and that communication and cooperation
among various stakeholders based on mutual understanding are essential for the MASS to arrive in
the maritime industry successfully.
Keywords:
autonomous shipping; MASS; IMO; maritime law; Maritime Safety Committee; advanced
sensor module; shore control center; cyber security threats
1. Introduction
With fast-increasing technology, a new paradigm shift is occurring, considering alter-
native marine fuels that promise safer, greener, and more efficient ships than ever before
in response to stringent international legislative requirements. The first change occurred
during the First Industrial Revolution in the 1800s when mechanical power was introduced,
and vessels began to be driven by steam-powered coal engines. The Second Industrial
Revolution began in the early 1900s when the advent of diesel engines improved the effi-
ciency and reliability of ships by using oil as a new fuel. The internet–digital revolution,
representing the Third Industrial Revolution, introduced computerized ship control in the
1970s. With the introduction of gas as a fuel, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) [
1
–
5
],
we are taking a step closer to the new paradigm linked with cyber-physical systems and
autonomy as part of “Shipping 4.0 [6–8]”.
Porathe et al. [
9
] present four reasons why autonomous shipping is seen as a feasible
choice: (1) the efforts to reduce transportation costs; (2) the need for a better onboard
working environment for crews and the prevention of future seafarer shortages; (3) the
need to reduce emissions on a worldwide scale; and (4) the desire to improve shipping safety.
According to a 2010 report submitted to the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
by the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) and the International Shipping
Federation (ISF), the shipping industry is expected to face tightening labor markets, with
recurrent shortages of ship officers [
10
], due to hazardous working conditions and extended
periods away from land. Under the fiercely competitive economy of scale, the shipping
industry has seen downward pressure on freight rates and excess capacity. Reduced ship
Sustainability 2022, 14, 15630. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142315630 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability
