IML Member publishes new research on the legal regulation of autonomous ships
The IML Director, Dr Alexandros X.M. Ntovas , Associate Professor of Maritime Law, has contributed a chapter in the new seminal publication from Cambridge University Press on Emerging Technology and the Law of the Sea edited by James Kraska (United States Naval War College) and Young-Kil Park (Korea Maritime Institute).
Autonomous vessels and robotics, artificial Intelligence and cybersecurity are transforming international shipping and naval operations. Likewise, blockchain offers new efficiencies for compliance with international shipping records, while renewable energy from currents and waves and offshore nuclear power stations open opportunities for new sources of power within and from the sea. These and other emerging technologies pose a challenge for the governance framework of the law of the sea, which is adapting to accommodate the accelerating rates of global change. This volume examines how the latest technological advances and marine sciences are reshaping the interpretation and application of the law of the sea. The authors explore the legality of new concepts for military operations on the continental shelf, suggest remote sensing methodologies for delimitation of maritime boundaries, and offer a legal roadmap for ensuring maritime cyber security.
Dr Ntovas in his chapter entitled ‘ Functionalism and Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships ’ (pages 214–242) proposes a novel interpretative account that functionally constructs the UNCLOS requirement of ship manning. The legal rationale underlying the argument in favor of functional flexibility is informed by the international regulatory developments at the level of the International Maritime Organization and considers that technological progress is best served by the emerging law-making philosophy of setting goal-based standards. The posited methodology further proposes that the functional interpretation of manning shall be linked to a test for reviewing the flag state margin of discretion in the context of the obligation to take measures toward achieving and maintaining comprehensive safety at sea for autonomous ships.
Dr Ntovas’ submission to the House of Lords International Relations & Defence Committee for its inquiry into the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea: fit for purpose in the 21st century? was cited in the final Report published in April 2022. He had responded to the inquiry in November last year. In his response available here he provided evidence and policy recommendations focusing on: Autonomous maritime vehicles (both commercial and military), cybersecurity, and other new technologies.
Dr Ntovas has been invited to the International Law of the Sea Summer Academy, which is held under the aegis of Kadir Has University in Turkey, to deliver in July a lecture on the topic of New Challenges of the Law of the Sea: Autonomous Commercial Vessels and UNCLOS.
The Academy aims to provide education in fundamental areas of the Law of the Sea, by bringing together judges from international tribunals, academics and practitioners, all experts and specialised in the related fields. The Academy aims to provide education in fundamental areas of the Law of the Sea, by bringing together judges from international tribunals, academics and practitioners, all experts and specialized in the related fields. It also aims to promote consciousness and knowledge regarding current issues related to the law of the sea, through the provision of lectures on specific topics alongside lectures related to fundamental topics.
