Eight nations come together to create standards for autonomous ships
The flag, coastal and port authorities from eight countries namely China, Denmark, Finland, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, South Korea and Singapore met at a virtual event, joined by representatives from IMO, International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA), and International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) to launch and develop the Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) in ports.
Named the MASSPorts, the initiative is a network formed by like-minded states and organizations to address the challenges and achieve alignment of standards for the trials and operation of MASS in ports.
The members of the MASSPorts are China Maritime Administration, Danish Maritime Authority, IMO High-Level Representative of Ministry of Transport and Communications of Finland, Maritime Bureau, Ports and Harbours Bureau, Japan Coast Guard of Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Port of Rotterdam Authority, Norwegian Coastal Administration and Norwegian Maritime Authority, Smart Shipping & Logistics Division of Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, and Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
Quah Ley Hoon, chief executive of MPA, said: “Autonomous navigation is an important part of our plans to be a future-ready port. We see MASS having the potential to enhance navigational safety and increase productivity.”
Some of the objectives include developing detailed guidelines and conditions for MASS trials in port, establishing common terminology, form and standards of communication, ship reporting and data exchange to enhance inter-operability of systems across different ports, and facilitating port-to-port MASS trials.
Source: Sea Trade Maritme
Author: Bernice Noi Tetteh
