Class collaborates to accelerate autonomous shipping

Researchers will work with MASS and ANS developers to identify and define their development requirements and to establish an end-to-end systems engineering framework.

This project will provide input to Lloyd’s Register’s ShipRight procedures, giving detailed guidance on system design and software principles that ensure MASS and ANS are safe, reliable and compliant with rules and regulations at every development stage.

The open-source engineering framework will cover the full lifecycle, including design definition, architecture analysis, modelling, simulations, software engineering, machine learning, integration, testing and the sustainable operation of unmanned ships.

“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,” said Lloyd’s Register lead for complex and autonomous systems, Joseph Morelos.

"System engineering standards help implement the IMO MASS code, enabling safe, secure and commercially viable deployment of MASS technologies across vessel types.”

The emerging IMO MASS code will establish a context for robust and safe applications of autonomy in shipping.

“There is huge potential for improvements in sustainability, but this depends on the development of strong and robust standards that ensure security and safety,” said Alan Turing Institute sustainability mission policy fellow, Chris Nathan.

“Our policy allows us to provide an architecture for the design of autonomous systems. We look forward to working closely with a wide range of experts to co-create these standards with the people who will benefit most.”