Regulative Risk-Based Measures for Testing Autonomous Ships in the Gulf of Finland

Historically, maritime regulation has evolved largely in response to accidents and the safety deficiencies revealed by them. The rapid development of advanced technologies, particularly autonomous ships, challenges this reactive model and calls for a proactive, risk-based approach that establishes acceptable safety levels and assesses emerging technologies against those achieved by conventional systems. Situated at the intersection of legal and maritime research and encompassing both national and international regulatory levels, this study employs a mixed-methods approach combining documentary analysis, qualitative interviews, and comparative legal research. It examines the benefits and challenges associated with risk-based regulation in the evolving field of maritime technology, focusing on projects involving the testing of maritime autonomous ships in the region. Through an analysis of existing regulatory frameworks and practical testing experiences, the study analyses the challenges and the benefits of risk-based regulation to promote innovation while maintaining the required level of safety. It also examines the roles of different stakeholders in implementing and enforcing these regulations, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that enables technological integration without unnecessarily constraining innovation. The findings indicate that collaboration between corporate and governance bodies, particularly through joint risk assessments, facilitates innovation by generating shared knowledge that provides a foundation for the subsequent development of standards.