MASS (Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship)

A Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship is, in IMO terms, a ship that to a varying degree can operate independently of human interaction, graded across four degrees from a crewed ship with decision support, through remotely controlled with and without seafarers aboard, to fully autonomous. The IMO adopted a non-mandatory MASS Code that takes effect on 1 July 2026 as an experience-building instrument, with a mandatory version targeted for adoption around 1 July 2030 and entry into force via SOLAS amendments around 1 January 2032.