Is it a ship? Is it a boat? No, it’s an uncrewed surface vessel needing updated ocean governance

Ivar Josselin de Jong, Solution Director Remote Inspection

The accelerated design and manufacturing of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), which can perform tasks on the ocean surface while being controlled remotely, are starting to supersede the methods and legacy technologies remaining in operation across the marine sectors. The integration of these autonomous technologies represents significant benefits for the maritime industry, including improved safety and efficiency, and a reduced environmental impact. However, as more USVs are deployed, careful attention will need to be paid to how they fit into the international legal framework. Many USVs do not meet the traditional definition of a ship, so legislators remain uncertain about the regulations covering their operations. 2021 could well bring the first legal dispute in international waters over remote technology, sparking new urgency around the need for legislation to catch up with the advances in technology.