The inclusion of liabilities arising from autonomous vessels, including fully unmanned ships, within the International Group of P&I Clubs' (IG P&I Clubs) shared insurance pooling arrangements has now been confirmed.

The pronouncement follows the recent ratification of the IMO Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Code, constituting a momentous regulatory landmark by establishing the inaugural global framework for the secure operation of autonomous vessels. The code will remain non-mandatory until around 2032, during which time the industry will move towards wider adoption of autonomous technologies.

The provision of consolidated insurance coverage for autonomous vessels

The provision of consolidated insurance coverage for autonomous vessels will continue to be contingent upon the individual P&I Club underwriting evaluations, with adherence to the stipulations set forth by the flag State and classification society remaining a paramount consideration. This resolution underscores the Group's unwavering dedication to adapting well-established P&I insurance principles to facilitate the advancement of emerging maritime technologies.

 An important step in the evolution of shipping.

 Tim Howse, Chair of the Autonomous Vessels Committee, stated, “The approval of the IMO MASS Code and the availability of our pooling arrangements for autonomous vessels represent an important step in the evolution of shipping. Confirming that established mutual P&I principles can respond effectively to autonomous operations gives shipowners the confidence and certainty they need to support innovation in this rapidly developing sector. "

A different operational model

MASS introduces a different operational model, with responsibilities shifting from onboard crew to shore-based systems and remote operators. The actions of Remote Operation Centre (ROC) personnel will be treated in line with traditional navigational responsibilities. If the actions of ROC personnel or the system result in an incident such as a collision, any associated third-party liabilities will continue to be covered by standard mutual P&I insurance.

Interaction with other insurance lines

However, the use of shore-based personnel and infrastructure will also introduce interaction with other insurance lines. Liabilities emanating from land-based activities, such as workplace injuries within a ROC or damage to the ROC itself, are not considered to be marine P&I risks. It is anticipated that these liabilities will be addressed under conventional employers' liability or premises insurance.

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Malicious cyber risks remain

In line with the Group's established practices, malicious cyber risks remain included in mutual P&I arrangements. However, given the increased reliance on digital systems in autonomous operations, owners are encouraged to engage closely with their Club and underwriters to assess their specific exposures and insurance needs.

The IMO's approval of the MASS Code

The IMO's approval of the MASS Code, alongside the International Group's decision to extend pooling arrangements to autonomous vessels, marks a significant milestone in the development of autonomous shipping. This allows autonomous vessels to access the well-established P&I framework and its substantial coverage limits, offering shipowners greater certainty while promoting innovation across the maritime sector.

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Mutual P&I insurance structures

The Group has signalled its confidence that existing mutual P&I insurance structures can effectively address the liabilities arising from autonomous operations by making pooling available across all categories of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). Coverage will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by individual P&I Clubs, according to their own underwriting criteria.

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