LONDON, June 4 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)haswelcomed global agreement on a newinternational Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Code,due to be published next month.

For eight years,the MCA'sautonomy team has represented the UK's interestsin working groups dedicated to the development of thefirstnon-mandatory International Code of Safety for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS Code).

The UK delegation, consisting of MCA and Department for Transport leads, plus industryexperts, hasbeeninstrumentalduringdiscussionsat the International Maritime Organization (IMO)todevelop the MASSCode.

Over 100 international partners, includingadministrationsandindustry andacademiastakeholders,have negotiated andcooperated, culminating in theIMOMaritime Safety Committee's 111th sessionon 13-22 Mayadopting the non-mandatory MASS Code.

The Code provides the first international regulatory framework for remotely operated and autonomous cargo ships covered under SOLAS Chapter I.It will be published by the IMO on 1July.

Leanne Page, MCA Assistant Director - Future Technical Standards,said:

The new code is game-changing progress for the MASS sector, delivered by maritime nations working together on safe and pragmatic standards and driven forward by the IMO.

We'revery proudto have played a leading role in reaching this major milestone.

The maritime industry is inherently global, so progress towards a harmonised regulatory framework is vital to support consistency, fairness and - most importantly - safe operations internationally.

The MCA is now appealing for responses and contributions from across the maritime sector in the UK. With your help we can ensure MASS standards support industry and protect safety for everyone on the water.

The next step of international negotiations is the building of a framework for an experience-building phase, which will inform the eventual development of the mandatory MASS Code.

The MCA and the Department for Transport will continue to consult with the sector, including at the next Autonomy Industry Meeting on 30 June, to provide further information and guidance on thenewnon-mandatory MASS Code.

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.