Alan Turing Institute, Lloyd’s Register and Lloyd’s Register Foundation Collaborate on Autonomous Shipping Standards

A collaboration between the Alan Turing Institute, Lloyd’s Register and Lloyd’s Register Foundation is advancing research to support standards for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). The project will deliver an open‑source systems engineering framework covering the full lifecycle of MASS development, from design and modelling to integration, testing and sustainment.

Developers, manufacturers and operators require standards that ensure autonomous systems are safe and secure. The emerging IMO MASS code provides the context for applying autonomy in shipping, while researchers highlight the urgent need for detailed guidance on software and systems engineering processes.

Autonomous navigation systems can optimise fuel efficiency through AI‑driven route planning, improve safety with accident prevention and response, and strengthen supply chains through faster port operations. The project will inform a ShipRight procedure to provide guidance on system design and software principles, ensuring MASS and ANS are reliable and compliant.

🎤 Dr Chris Nathan, Policy Fellow at the Alan Turing Institute, said:
“The Turing’s strong expertise in AI and policy allows us to provide an architecture for the design of autonomous systems. There’s huge potential for improvements in sustainability, but this depends on the development of strong and robust standards that ensure security and safety. We look forward to working closely with a wide range of experts to co‑create these standards with the people who will benefit most.”

🎤 Joseph Morelos, Complex and Autonomy Systems Leader, Lloyd’s Register, said:
“Lloyd’s Register is committed to developing standards that enable the collaborative development of MASS systems across maritime stakeholders including shipyards, system integrators, equipment manufacturers, software providers and start‑up companies. The system engineering standard helps implement the IMO MASS Code, enabling safe, secure and commercially viable deployment of MASS technologies across vessel types.”

📃📷 Source: Lloyd’s Register