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Mobility and Transport
News article30 November 2020Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport

European Commission encourages a maritime future which includes Autonomous and Sustainable Ships and Shipping

On the occasion of the 2nd International Ship Autonomy and Sustainability Summit, the European Commission together with EU Member States, Norway and with valuable industry input published today the comprehensive

20 JULY 2021
EU Operational Guidelines on trials of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships
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. It allows for a harmonised European approach by clarifying the roles of authorities and applicants and provides guidance of what to consider in their assessments when facing Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) trials, including risk assessments. With these Guidelines, the European Commission promotes a high level of maritime safety, which is a precondition for a smart and sustainable autonomous maritime future.

Commissioner Vălean stated: “Automated ships represent an exciting prospect for the future of shipping. They have the potential to increase safety and productivity as well as contribute towards the sustainability goals for maritime transport. Their deployment needs to build on tests and trials, which put their safety at the top of our priorities. I warmly welcome the EU Operational Guidelines on trials of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (LINK), developed with our Member States and Norway. We will continue to engage also internationally, to steer the safe, sustainable and smart development of tomorrow’s ships.”

In the margin of the 2nd International Ship Autonomy and Sustainability Summit, co-organised with the Norwegian Forum for Autonomous Ships, Commissioner Adina Vălean exchanged on the future of autonomous ships with Ministers from Germany, Finland, Norway and South Korea, the Secretary General of IMO as well as high-level experts. The Summit included some 500 registered participants and experts interacting with three high level panels carefully considering how MASS can support the central policy of smart, safe, sustainable and resilient maritime transport in the EU as well as internationally.

Maritime Autonomous Ships and Shipping

Details

Publication date
30 November 2020
Author
Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport