The Transition of the Maritime and Port Industry Toward Automation: A Focus on Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS)

Abstract

The maritime and port industry is undergoing a profound technological transformation, driven by the need to improve operational efficiency, safety and the protection of both the maritime and land environment. At the heart of this transformation is the development and deployment of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). This article examines the technological foundations, benefits, challenges and future prospects of MASS, as well as their interaction with port automation systems. It provides an overview of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) framework for autonomous shipping, key real-world case studies and critical regulatory, cyber-security and operational integration challenges. The findings indicate that while significant barriers remain, the momentum towards a more automated and intelligent maritime ecosystem is irreversible.