DMA estimates that regulations for autonomous vessels should be decided at an international level

Daniel Bosch Wood

Maritim Lawyer

LLM Southampton

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

The Danish Maritime Authority wishes to be at the forefront in the face of rapid technological advances

The maritime regulation for autonomous vessels should be decided at international level, was the recommendation made by the Danish Maritime Authority (DMA) in a new report, which will be used as a platform for a future DMA effort to develop a regulation on the matter, reported Insurance Marine News.

The Minister of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs of Denmark, Brian Mikkelsen, pointed out that “the development of autonomous ships is advancing rapidly and we must be at the forefront”. However, part of the current regulation is based on traditions that date back to the age of sailing. “

The above, he said, “needs improvement” and added that the regulation of autonomous vessels should not be an obstacle to new advances. “He added:” We must be able to take advantage of the opportunities created by the development of new technologies. Denmark has a strong maritime tradition and we want to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to technology development and testing. “

The current approach to regulating autonomous vessels is that they should be “at least” as safe as conventional vessels, he said.

The Danish report recommends that regulation be agreed at an international level, specifically within the International Maritime Organization.