ABSTRACT
The major technological breakthrough of autonomous ships obviously has a serious impact on the position of seafarers. Despite the likelihood of social disruption, this technological transition receives widespread support from governments and from the maritime and IT industries, motivated perhaps by fear of (literally) “missing the boat.” These novel vessels pose many challenges, not only in the domain of technology, but also in that of (maritime) law. They require a fundamental “rethink” of shipping in all its aspects, as since times immemorial the design, construction, operation, and regulation of ships has been based on the presumption that ships are manned. The current regulatory framework applicable to ships (still) reflects these origins by presuming in many instances, whether expressly or impliedly, that ships are manned, navigated, and operated by humans.
