P&I Cover for Autonomous Vessels – IGP&I

The International Group of P&I Clubs (IG) has confirmed that liabilities arising from Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) are now eligible to be covered within the Group’s pooling arrangements across all levels of autonomy, including fully unmanned vessels.

The announcement follows the International Maritime Organization adoption of the first-ever MASS Code, providing the first global framework for the safe operation of autonomous vessels. The Code is non-mandatory and effective from 1 July 2026, with a mandatory version expected to follow, targeted for entry into force in 2032.

Following the announcement, the IG has answered key questions, explaining the connection between the development of autonomous vessel technology and the responsibilities this poses for P&I insurance, including:

➡️ As autonomy increases, responsibilities shift from crew to remote operators to technology, which in turn, changes how risks arise.

➡️ Third party liabilities like collision and pollution remain covered when a vessel is being operated from an ROC

➡️ Remote operation of a vessel does not, on its own, make it a “specialist operation” under mutual cover, that classification only applies if the vessel is undertaking one of the activities set out in the special operations exclusion.

At West, we are taking an active role in supporting and progressing this initiative and are committed to helping our members navigate what this means for their cover.

Source: westpandi