@misc{10498/38882,
year = {2025},
month = {9},
url = {http://hdl.handle.net/10498/38882},
abstract = {Autonomous surface vessels (MASS) are a disruptive innovation in maritime tech‑
nology, but their deployment poses significant legal challenges in the field of inter‑
national law of the sea. This article examines, within the framework of the United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the exercise of jurisdic‑
tion and effective flag state control over MASS, especially in situations where the
Remote Operations Centre (ROC) is outside the territorial jurisdiction of the flag
state. Through a doctrinal and normative analysis of existing international instru‑
ments and recent International Maritime Organisation proposals, the main regula‑
tory gaps are identified and the challenges arising from the absence of physical crew
and the decentralisation of operational control are assessed. The results show that
these circumstances hinder the application of the genuine link required by UNC‑
LOS, generate uncertainty in the attribution of responsibilities and complicate com‑
pliance with the flag state’s international obligations. It is concluded that the regula‑
tory framework needs to be adapted and clarified to ensure the legal and operational
security of MASS, strengthen oversight mechanisms and guarantee the protection
of state interests and the integrity of the international maritime system in the face of
the growing integration of these technologies.},
publisher = {Springer},
keywords = {MASS},
keywords = {Jurisdiction},
keywords = {UNCLOS},
keywords = {Flag state},
title = {Autonomous ships and flag state: challenges and opportunities in international maritime law},
doi = {10.1007/s12198-025-00304-z},
author = {García Llave, Ruth and Andrade, F.H.E. and Coronil Huertas, Daniel José},
}