The International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted a new International Code of Safety for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS Code) to support the safe integration of AI-enabled and remotely operated commercial ships into global shipping.
The adoption was made during IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee meeting for its 111th session from May 13 to 22, 2026 in London, United Kingdom, chaired by Mr. Theofilos Mozas of Greece.
The MASS Code sets out a comprehensive, goal-based framework to ensure that remotely controlled or autonomous ships are designed and operated to a level of safety, security and environmental protection that is expected of a conventional ship. They will also be required to comply with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and other applicable mandatory IMO instruments.
The Code applies to cargo ships and will take effect from 1 July 2026. As it is a non-mandatory instrument, Member States are given the opportunity to test its use while paving the way for making it mandatory under the SOLAS Convention.
IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez welcomed the milestone and stated: “This landmark achievement positions IMO at the forefront of regulating emerging technologies, demonstrating the Organization’s ability to anticipate and shape the future of shipping. It represents a major step forward, enabling innovation while ensuring that safety, accountability and the human element remain at the core of maritime operations.”
Full story on Marino World magazine’s Day of the Seafarer May-June 2026 Edition