Sea Freight
IMO adopts first global safety code for autonomous ships
The International Maritime Organization adopted the first International Code of Safety for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships — the MASS Code. It establishes common rules for remotely controlled and autonomous commercial vessels.
What the code regulates
The document sets requirements for design, operation, safety, security and environmental performance for vessels operated with a minimum crew or without a crew. Such vessels must also comply with SOLAS and other mandatory IMO instruments.
When it applies
The code covers cargo ships and takes effect on 1 July 2026. It does not mean an immediate transition to fully autonomous shipping, but it creates a clear basis for testing and commercial use of the technology.
Practical significance
For supply-chain participants, this is an important step towards more digital voyage monitoring, standardised safety and new fleet-operation models.
Source: IMO, 22 May 2026.