In order to adapt to the expanding changes in the maritime sector, the Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA) has stated that Nigeria needs to start working now, before the use of autonomous vessel convention is adopted in 2028.
Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships, or MASS, are crewless ships that transport either containers or bulk cargo over navigable waters with little to no human interaction. Autonomous cargo ships are also referred to as autonomous container ships.
This was made known at the just concluded Annual General Meeting of the group, it’s President, Mrs. Funke Agbo said that he adoption of automated vessels is the one of major change that will shape the future of shipping globally adding that Nigeria must not be left behind in this change.
Mrs Funke said that the world is ever changing, there are new innovations and technology is driving everything and it has impact globally and autonomous vessels will become the new means of shipping goes round the world.
She said: “You know the world is ever changing, there are new innovations and technology is driving everything and it has impact globally and autonomous vessels will become the new means of shipping goes round the world.
“There are driverless vehicles and for instance in the aviation, you have drones that sort things that has to do with agriculture. They are able to go far. And so, in the shipping space, they are looking at the same thing and discussion has been going on for sometime.
“It looks like there is a legislature they are trying to put in place as treaties for countries to consider, that is the way to go and the idea is to to have vessels that are not driven by human beings.
“The ultimate is that a vessel going from point ‘A’ to point ‘B’ with nobody on board is carrying goods and all kinds of cargoes and you have people on shore directing such vessels.
She also stated that the organization is prepared to assist the Nigerian government in modifying its legislation to comply with the new agreement.