DNV: IMO MASS Code sets framework for wider adoption of maritime autonomy

Dr. Shahrin Osman, Business Development Director of DNV Maritime Advisory and Director of DNV’s Centre of Excellence for Maritime Decarbonization & Smart Shipping (COE) Asia Pacific, details the significance of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Code and Singapore’s ongoing efforts in supporting remote and autonomous vessel operations:

The adoption of the IMO Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Code is a significant milestone for maritime autonomy. By providing a common framework for approval and assurance, the Code creates the foundation for wider adoption while allowing industry and regulators to learn through experience.

As the first global regulatory framework covering ships operating with remote control and autonomous functions, the MASS Code introduces a common basis for assessing new operating concepts. Just as importantly, it signals a transition from isolated projects and pilot cases to a more structured approach to designing and operating them.

One of the Code’s defining characteristics is its goal-based and technology-neutral approach. Rather than prescribing specific technical solutions, it establishes the principles and requirements that must be satisfied to ensure safe operation. Autonomous operations can take many forms, from decision-support systems on board to fully autonomous vessels, and the Code reflects this diversity by applying not only to ships but also to individual functions.

With the MASS Code, the regulatory scope expands to reflect the operational reality of remote control and autonomy. Traditionally, maritime regulation has centred on the vessel, its design, equipment and operation. The MASS Code recognises the ship as part of a wider operating system, where safety depends on the ship, the remote operations centre, the digital link between them, and the people operating across both ends of that interface.

This broader perspective is particularly relevant for remote operation concepts involving essential ship functions. The interaction between ship and shore becomes a key safety consideration, and remote operations centres are recognised as an integral part of the overall system. Developments such as Massterly’s three-vessel chief-to-shore operation in Norway demonstrate how these operating models are moving into practical use. The Code also makes clear that remote control and autonomy change how responsibility is exercised but do not remove it.

Putting these principles into practice requires work beyond the regulatory framework itself. Singapore is one place where this is taking shape, with efforts to develop both the technology and the capabilities needed to support remote and autonomous vessel operations.

Through DNV’s Centre of Excellence for Maritime Decarbonization & Smart Shipping (COE) Asia Pacific, work is underway on remote operation systems, AI-enabled decision-making tools and new ways of supporting vessel operations from shore. The centre brings together expertise in autonomy, cyber security and remote operations to support Singapore-based maritime companies in developing and scaling remote and automated solutions.

Developing the people and processes to support these technologies is equally important. DNV’s research collaboration with the Singapore Institute of Technology focuses on the technical, operational and training capabilities required for remote and autonomous vessel functions. The work also includes frameworks and applied research to strengthen readiness for remote operations.

The MASS Code provides an important common framework for maritime autonomy, but its implementation will also be shaped by what we learn from projects in practice. Collaboration between regulators, operators, technology providers and class societies is essential to bringing different perspectives together, addressing practical challenges and informing how autonomous operations can be developed and applied safely.

The future of maritime autonomy will be shaped not only by technological capability, but also by the industry’s ability to assure, govern and build trust in these new operating models.

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 1 November, 2026