Integrating MASS in the digital Maritime Infrastructure – An Analysis of Standardization and Digitalization Efforts

Kurzfassung

With the ever-ongoing development of Maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) the first systems are now being introduced into service. Those vessels have to operate alongside human crewed vessels, increasing the pressure for digitalization within the maritime domain to incorporate the autonomous vessels. With the advent of the eNavigation strategy the International Maritime Organization (IMO) started a push towards a modernized maritime IT-infrastructure. Technologies and concepts emerging from the ongoing development of this strategy aim to digitalize the maritime domain, as well as introducing new standards globally. In this paper we will provide a comprehensive overview of the ongoing efforts within e-Navigation. By analysing these efforts, insights are provided on how emerging standards and technologies can be utilized to reliably and safely integrate MASS into the existing maritime infrastructure.