- Representatives from eight countries have launched the MASSPorts initiative.
- MASSPorts initiative will promote maritime autonomous surface ship development.
- IMO, IALA and IAPH representatives also participated in the event.
- They aim to solve issues related to the trials and operation of MASS.
According to a press release published on IMO website, flag, coastal and port authorities’ representatives from eight countries have launched the MASSPorts initiative to promote maritime autonomous surface ship development.
MASSPorts initiative
Representatives from China, Denmark, Finland, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Republic of Korea, and Singapore convened during a virtual meeting for the launch of the event on 4 August.
International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) and International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) representatives also participated in the event.
Aim to solve issues related to the trials and operation of MASS
The initiative involves states and organizations, which aim to solve issues related to the trials and operation of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS).
They also aim to achieve alignment of standards for the operation, says an article published in Ship-Technology.
The network aims to develop detailed guidelines and conditions for undertaking MASS trials at the ports, which will follow the interim guidelines of the IMO for MASS trials.
The initiative also aims to set common terminology, form, and standards of communication, along with autonomous ship reporting and data exchange, which is expected to boost the system interoperability across different ports.
Facilitate port-to-port MASS trials
In addition, it will facilitate port-to-port MASS trials to copy the international nature of shipping in order to validate the guidelines and conditions for MASS trials.
Did you subscribe to our daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source: IMO, Ship-Technology
