The use of autonomous and remotely controlled vessels will certainly revolutionize the commercial shipping industry. Yet, regulatory and legal compliance will create challenges as autonomous and remotely controlled ships are routinely used in the context of commercial shipping and the global transportation of cargo. Several of the legal issues that may impact autonomous shipping are discussed below including (i) statutes and treaties for the common carriage of cargo; (ii) environmental concerns; (iii) marine insurance; (iv) regulations of commercial shipping; (v) liability to seafarers; and (vi) construction and design of commercial vessels. Accordingly, it is likely that the myriad of statutes, treaties, and regulations governing commercial shipping will be amended and that new legislation will be necessary to adapt to the exciting changes on the horizon.
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