European Maritime Policies and the Dynamic of Autonomous Vessels
European Maritime Policies and the Dynamic of Autonomous Vessels

Summary/Abstract: Maritime transport is an intensively and rapidly developing sector of a particularly international dimension. European shipping plays a key role in the development of the maritime industry in European Union as it strengthens its economy, strategy and negotiating power. The European Commission, to achieve this objective, seeks to promote a common maritime policy and create a regulatory framework. Technological development has historically challenged contemporary shipping laws. This paper pursues to provide an approach of the legal dimension of autonomous ships. The dogmatic legal method is followed, assisted by the socio-economic approach method. Firstly, the role of European Maritime Policy and its objectives are discussed. Secondly, regulatory and legislative initiatives of the use of autonomous ships worldwide are analysed. Due to the particular nature of maritime law, special attention is given to the issues of liability arising from the use of autonomous vessels. The article intends to offer an original contribution by examining the aspects of new technologies such as Autonomous Vessels and the challenges they raise in the global and European community. It concludes that the integration and regulation of Unmanned Ships by the European Maritime Policy would promote a high level of safety and development in maritime transports.

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