The environmental impacts of the "maritime autonomous surface ships" (MASS)

Abstract

Autonomous ships are already a reality. They are on the agenda of international law and international society in general. In a short time, it will also be a reality in all the world's oceans. Thus, it is extremely important for international organizations, States, and international society to be prepared for these autonomous ships. They will bring new challenges to the law of the sea and to international maritime transport. One of these challenges is precisely what are the environmental impacts that these “Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships” (MASS) will bring with them. That is, what are the consequences for the marine environment of these autonomous ships? This is precisely the objective of this article: to understand the environmental impacts of MASS and the new challenges humanity will have to face with the imminent advent of these ships. In this sense, it will be demonstrated what are the advantages and disadvantages of these vessels for the environment and, in particular, what care the world needs to take to protect and preserve the marine environment due to the advent of these new technologies.