SMI focus group on Maritime Autonomous Systems
The Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) has announced at Oceanology International London that it has formed a seventh focus group for its maritime engineering membership.
It will be led by the Maritime Autonomous Systems (MAS) council and will aid companies seeking to develop their business opportunities in the field.
John Murray, SMI chief executive, said: “The demand for maritime autonomous systems is an expanding market opportunity for many of our members and in seeking to support their ambitions it was clear that we needed to provide a focus for activities in this area.”
In respect of surface MASs, the UK Marine Industries Alliance (MIA) has launched an industry Code of Conduct.
The aim of the code is to establish an industry agreement on aspects of MAS development, design, production and operation, alongside the establishment of governing regulations.
John Fanshawe, chair of the MAS Regulatory Working Group (MASRWG), said: “Unmanned vessels are already being operated safely and responsibly within the existing regulations, conventions and procedures.”
“This Code of Conduct sets down nine Industry Principles which demonstrate a clear commitment to ensuring that MAS are operated safely and responsibly whilst ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations as far as practically possible.”
By Alice Mason
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