Regulating Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships: Recent Developments and Challenges

Abstract for Scopus Indexing: Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships ( MASS ) represent a significant advance in maritime technology and promise transformative change in the industry. As the adoption of MASS accelerates, the legal landscape governing their operation becomes increasingly important. This article provides a comprehensive examination of recent developments and updates in MASS regulation. The article begins with an overview of the development of MASS and addresses the legal challenges and considerations related to MASS regulation, including safety, cybersecurity, liability, and compliance with international conventions. Recent regulatory updates including the development of the MASS Code are analyzed for their legal implications. It, further, examines the evolving landscape of emerging trends and future directions in MASS regulation, emphasizing the need for international cooperation, innovative regulatory approaches, and ethical considerations.