From June 18 to 27, the 110th session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 110) took place, marking significant progress in the development of the new non-mandatory Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Safety Code.
This new code aims to ensure the safe, reliable, and environmentally sound operation of autonomous and remotely operated ships, addressing the growing need for regulatory frameworks in response to rapid technological advancement in the maritime sector. According to DNV, 18 of the 19 chapters of the MASS Code were finalized, with the remaining work focused primarily on human element considerations.
A key decision made during the session was that unmanned MASS must be capable of conducting search and rescue (SAR) operations. Even without crew onboard, vessels will be required to have an SAR action plan in place to assist persons in distress.
The MASS Code will continue to be discussed at an intersessional working group meeting scheduled for autumn 2025, with special focus on human element integration. The non-mandatory code is expected to be adopted at MSC’s 111th session in May 2026. A mandatory version could enter into force no earlier than January 1, 2032, following a period of experience gathering and evaluation.
MSC 110 also addressed several other important regulatory developments:
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Amendments to SOLAS Chapter V and the adoption of new performance standards to improve pilot transfer safety;
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Approval of draft amendments to the ESP Code (2011) to incorporate remote inspection techniques (RIT);
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Adoption of the new 2025 Code on Alerts and Indicators;
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Approval of a revised version of Resolution A.1050(27) on entry into enclosed spaces aboard ships;
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Guidelines supporting emergency towing arrangements for non-tanker vessels;
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Interim guidelines for seafarer training on ships using alternative fuels and new technologies;
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Agreement on draft amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-1 to clarify IGF Code applicability to all gaseous fuels, regardless of flashpoint;
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Initiation of measures to remove regulatory barriers to the use of alternative fuels and advanced technologies, including updates to the Nuclear Code.
