In search for regulatory approach to autonomous vessels, project finances by National Science Center, Poland, contract no 2020/37/B/HS5/00471*

Exploitation of autonomous ships (or MASS as commonly abbreviated) has been present in international debate for several years. Unmanned ships are in fact already operating in national navigation in several countries around the world, nevertheless, the future of international legal framework for their exploitation is still uncertain. It has been under the purview of several international organizations, including the IMO (International Maritime Organization). There are significant challenges which need to be faced, concerning maritime safety and security, as well as liability issues.

The main goal of the project is not limited solely to indicating specific amendments to the current maritime conventions but has a broader regulatory context. The research will analyze changes adopted in the IMO regulatory approach to technological solution and whether this regulatory change will allow to determine the optimal regulatory model for the operation of autonomous vessels. The research will examine if different regulatory approaches may be required for automated vessels, whose navigation is subject to human decision-making and, on the other hand, fully autonomous ships. Thus, the project will include both scenarios for regulating the principles of autonomous ships operation: those operated by remote operator in other location and those that are fully autonomous.

*This project has been under my supervision since march 2022

Publications:

J. Nawrot, I. Vio, ‘Autonomous Vessels based on Artificial Intelligence: How to Resolve the Possible Conflict in Protecting the Common Values?’ in: Modern challenges of marine navigation, Faculty of Law, University of Split, 2021, pp. 139-157
Z. Pepłowska-Dąbrowska, Odpowiedzialność a statki bezzałogowe, Namiary na Morze i Handel, 2021, nr 12
Z. Pepłowska-Dąbrowska, ‘Liability for damages arising from accidents involving autonomous vessels & the conflict-of-law rules’, in: Anuario de Estudios Marítimos, 2023, nr 2, s.225-239

Papers delivered at the conferences/seminars

J. Nawrot, I. Vio: ‘Autonomous Vessels Based on Artificial Intelligence: How to Resolve the Possible Conflict in Protecting the Common Values?’ 3rd International Scientific Conference on Maritime Law, Split, 8-9.04.2021
Z. Pepłowska-Dąbrowska: ‘Odpowiedzialność a statki bezzałogowe: wyzwania dla prawa morskiego’, IX Ogólnopolska Konferencja Prawa Morskiego, Gdańsk 22.04.2021 r.
Z. Pepłowska-Dąbrowska: ‘Law Applicable to Liability for Damages Due to Accidents Involving Autonomous Vessels’ MARITIME AND TRANSPORT LAW COLLOQUIUM 2022, Dubrovnik 7.09.2022
I. Vio: ‘International Maritime Organization – Regulatory Approach to MASS’, 3rd International Maritime and Transport Law Course (Inter-University Centre, Dubrovnik, 5 – 9 September 2022
I. Vio, Z. Pepłowska-Dąbrowska, ‘NATIONAL LEGISLATION ON AUTONOMOUS VESSELS – ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION, MARITIME AND TRANSPORT LAW COLLOQUIUM TRANSPORT LAW DE LEGE FERENDA 2022, INTER-UNIVERSITY CENTRE – DUBROVNIK, CROATIA, 5 – 10 September 2022
I. Vio, Z. Pepłowska-Dąbrowska: Maritime autonomous surface ships – exploring the applicable law on national and international level, VII International Conference on Transport (28-30 September 2022, Jaume I Universitat, Castellon de la Plana)
I. Vio: ‘International Legal Framework for Autonomous Vessels – Recent Developments’ Kotor International Maritime Conference, 27-30 November 2022
Z. Pepłowska-Dąbrowska, I. Vio: Regulatory Approach to Remote Operation Centers and Remote Operators – Unmanned Vessels Dilemmas, INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE ON MARITIME LAW, Split 13-14.04.2023
Z. Pepłowska-Dąbrowska, I. Vio: In search for a regulatory approach to MASS Contemporary Challenges for Uniform Private Law – The International Scientific Seminar 16th of May, University of Szczecin, Faculty of Law and Administration

Participation in meetings of regulatory bodies on MASS:

Z. Pepłowska-Dąbrowska, 7-9/09/2022, Joint MSC-LEG-FAL Working Group on Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS)
Z. Pepłowska-Dąbrowska, IMO Legal Committee, 110th session, (LEG 110) 27-31 March 2023
I. Vio, Z. Pepłowska-Dąbrowska, Joint MSC-LEG-FAL Working Group on Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), 17-21/04/2023