RT journal article
T1 Autonomous ships and flag state: challenges and opportunities in international maritime law
A1 García Llave, Ruth
A1 Andrade, F.H.E.
A1 Coronil Huertas, Daniel José
A2 Ciencias y Técnicas de la Navegación y Construcciones Navales
K1 MASS
K1 Jurisdiction
K1 UNCLOS
K1 Flag state
AB 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 UnitedNations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the exercise of jurisdic‑tion and effective flag state control over MASS, especially in situations where theRemote Operations Centre (ROC) is outside the territorial jurisdiction of the flagstate. 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 crewand the decentralisation of operational control are assessed. The results show thatthese 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 operationalsecurity of MASS, strengthen oversight mechanisms and guarantee the protectionof state interests and the integrity of the international maritime system in the face ofthe growing integration of these technologies.
PB Springer
SN 1938-775X
YR 2025
FD 2025-09-06
LK http://hdl.handle.net/10498/38882
UL http://hdl.handle.net/10498/38882
LA eng
DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Cádiz
RD 05-nov-2026