The Problem of Legal Characterization of Autonomous Ships

Abstract

Autonomous ships, as an advanced technological product reshaping maritime navigation, raise fundamental legal issues concerning the legal characterization of their nature and operation within the existing maritime legislative framework. The traditional legal framework, which emerged under the assumption of a human crew aboard the vessel, faces genuine challenges with ships operating at varying degrees of autonomy.

 This problem manifests at several levels: the definition of the ship itself, determination of legal liability for damages, compliance with international maritime conventions, and the effectiveness of maritime transport treaties in light of this transformation.