MASS in maritime and artificial intelligence law

The ever-changing regulatory landscape for maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) has positioned it, in its latest developments, at the junction between maritime law and artificial intelligence legislation. This article offers a focused analysis of the EU regulatory framework applicable to MASS, examining the constitutional bases for EU action, the interaction between maritime and digital legislation, and the emerging challenges around liability, cyber security and operational governance. The analysis highlights that a coherent, dedicated EU MASS Regulation is necessary to ensure legal certainty, competitiveness and safety.

MASS represent one of the most transformative technological developments in contemporary maritime transport. Their emergence challenges the traditional boundaries of maritime law, which historically presupposed the presence of human crew, a master and a vessel whose legal identity was anchored in physical navigation.