Autonomous ships bring both risks and rewards for India, requiring new laws, smarter ports and a re-skilled maritime workforce
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This is part of the essay series: Sagarmanthan Edit 2025.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Strategic Plan 2024-2029 includes a key strategic priority: to ‘integrate new and advancing technologies in the regulatory framework’. A great example of new and advancing technologies in the maritime sector is autonomous ships. The shipping industry is already shifting towards the development of autonomous ships, because it can significantly reduce operational costs, enhance vessel safety and minimise human errors. Autonomous ships with varying degrees of autonomy are expected to operate alongside conventional ships for the near future. They represent a game-changing technology in the maritime sector that necessitates a fundamental reassessment of safety and security regulations, as well as their environmental impact. The implications extend to personnel, both onboard and ashore, and have the potential to reshape the dynamics of international trade.
The shipping industry is already shifting towards the development of autonomous ships, because it can significantly reduce operational costs, enhance vessel safety and minimise human errors.
Against the backdrop of the development of autonomous vessels, the IMO has sought to ensure that the regulatory framework remains robust and responsive to the rapid evolution of autonomous vessels. It defines Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) as “ship[s] which, to a varying degree, can operate independently of human interaction”. It categorises MASS into four degrees of autonomy, including “ship with automated processes and decision support (Degree one); remotely controlled ships with seafarers on board (Degree two); remotely controlled ships without seafarers on board (Degree three); lastly, fully autonomous ship (Degree four)”. Following the completion of the Regulatory Scoping Exercise in 2021, which provides a systematic analysis of the application of MASS within the existing regulatory framework, it is developing the non-mandatory MASS code that is expected to be finalised by 2026 and subsequently complete the mandatory MASS code by 2030.
Given the wide-ranging implications of MASS for all maritime sectors, including transport, logistics, regulatory frameworks, engineering, and finance, there is a clear need for adaptation in regulations, technologies, and industry practices. For India, the development of MASS can provide both opportunities and challenges for the future of its maritime industry. India plays a central role in the maritime industry, operating 12 major ports and serving as an important supplier of seafarers to the global maritime industry. Moreover, in December 2024, the Indian Register of Shipping launched an indigenous project called 'SWAYAT’ to develop India’s first autonomous vessels. The initiative highlights India’s strategic commitment to advancing its capabilities in the development of MASS. In light of these recent developments relating to MASS, several improvements could be considered to enhance India’s maritime industry.
India submitted the statement to the IMO Maritime Safety Committee, suggesting ‘safety equivalency between MASS and a conventional ship in the draft MASS Code’.
First, considering the evolving technological development towards fully autonomous vessels without seafarers on board—the development of MASS requires a comprehensive reassessment of existing regulations that is based on the assumption that seafarers and a master are on board. It requires reconsidering key issues, such as safety standards, certification requirements, seafarers' requirements and liability concerns. Notably, India submitted the statement to the IMO Maritime Safety Committee, suggesting ‘safety equivalency between MASS and a conventional ship in the draft MASS Code’. [1] It highlights that the developing MASS code should ensure that the level of safety, security, and environmental protection is equivalent to that provided by existing IMO instruments. It is also important to establish a national legal framework for MASS that aligns with the ongoing development at the IMO, which serves as the global standard for maritime operations. Although the IMO's non-mandatory MASS Code, set to be finalised next year, is not legally binding, it will offer valuable guidance in establishing a national legal framework.
Second, the development of MASS requires developing relevant infrastructure and technological integration, such as advanced sensors, navigation systems, and remote monitoring. It requires developing smart port facilities with a relevant system to dock safely and interact with MASS. Several states have implemented smart port infrastructure incorporating advanced automation systems, positioning themselves to effectively accommodate autonomous vessels. The Indian government should invest in port facilities, communication networks and digital monitoring systems in response to the development of MASS. Given the potential risks posed by cyberattacks on MASS, it is also essential to develop robust systems that enhance cybersecurity and safeguard its operations.
To effectively upskill seafarers for the evolving digital maritime environment, it is essential to develop specialised training programmes and courses for personnel involved in the operation and maintenance of MASS.
Third, although fully autonomous vessels may not be feasible in the foreseeable future, the role of seafarers is likely to change with the advancement of different vessel automation. Seafarers on autonomous vessels are expected to take responsibilities similar to those on conventional ships, but they may also take on additional duties related to new functions introduced by autonomous operations, such as tasks related to the remote operations centre. To effectively upskill seafarers for the evolving digital maritime environment, it is essential to develop specialised training programmes and courses for personnel involved in the operation and maintenance of MASS. Moreover, the continued development of MASS will inevitably lead to the decline of certain traditional seafarers’ roles. However, it will also create new types of jobs, such as remote operators and personnel on shore for ship maintenance and cybersecurity. The government should develop training programmes and courses to enhance shore-based personnel competencies to effectively support a remote operations centre and ensure the safety of autonomous vessels.
To conclude, the evolving technology for vessels presents several significant challenges that are not anticipated by the traditional shipping sector, but it also offers valuable opportunities to reshape and digitalise India’s maritime industry through the development of a national regulatory framework, the technological integration of port infrastructure, and comprehensive personnel training both on board and on shore.
Dawoon Jung is a Lecturer at the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security, University of Wollongong
[1] IMO MSC 109/5/3 (25 September 2024).
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Dawoon Jung is a Lecturer at the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security, University of Wollongong ...
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