The 108th session of the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 108) took place from 15 to 24 May 2024, where significant progress was made on regulating the implementation of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS).
According to IMO, the MSC 108 continued to advance its work to develop a Code to regulate MASS, to ensure these autonomous ships operate safely and in coexistence with conventional ships. The Committee also approved the report of the third session of the Joint MSC-LEG-FAL Working Group on MASS (MASS-JWG 3).
The Committee noted the significant progress made to date to develop the draft MASS Code, including the restructuring of chapters and refining the draft provisions.
It was clear that more work would be required to finalize the Code and the Committee therefore agreed to the revise the Road Map for the development of a MASS Code, as follows:
- May 2025 – finalize and adopt non-mandatory MASS Code
- First half of 2026 – develop framework for an experience-building phase (EPB)
- 2028 – commence development of the mandatory MASS Code, based on the non-mandatory Code, and consider amendments to SOLAS (new chapter) for the Code’s adoption
- By 1 July 2030 – adoption of the mandatory Code, for entry into force on 1 Jan 2032
The Committee agreed to re-establish the MSC/MASS-Intersessional Working Group to meet from 9 to 13 September 2024.
The Committee also agreed to re-establish the intersessional MASS Correspondence Group to continue its work, and report back to MSC 109 (2-6 December 2024).
