The International Group of P&I Clubs (the Group) 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 recent approval of the IMO MASS Code, a major regulatory milestone that provides the first global framework for the safe operation of autonomous vessels, albeit on a non-mandatory basis until around 2032.
The availability of poolable insurance for autonomous vessels will be subject to individual Club underwriting considerations, with compliance with flag and class requirements remaining key.
The decision reinforces the Group’s long-standing approach of adapting established P&I principles to new technologies.
“The approval of the IMO MASS Code and the availability of our pooling arrangements for autonomous vessels represent an important step in the evolution of shipping. By confirming that established mutual P&I principles can respond effectively also to autonomous operations, we are giving shipowners the confidence and certainty they need to support innovation in this rapidly developing sector.”
Tim Howse, Autonomous Vessels Committee Chair
For further insights, watch the short video to the right addressing six key questions on autonomous vessels and P&I cover.
P&I cover for autonomous vessels
An evolving risk landscape
MASS introduce a different operational model, with responsibilities shifting from onboard crew to shore-based systems and remote operators. Actions by Remote Operation Centre (ROC) personnel will be treated in line with traditional navigational responsibilities. Where the conduct of ROC personnel or system results in an incident, such as a collision, associated third-party liabilities will continue to fall within standard mutual P&I cover.
At the same time, the use of shore-based personnel and infrastructure introduces interaction with other insurance lines. Liabilities arising from land-based activities, such as workplace injuries within a ROC or damage to the ROC itself, are not marine P&I risks and are expected to be addressed under conventional employers’ liability or premises insurance.
Cyber and technology risk
Malicious cyber risks remain covered under mutual P&I arrangements, consistent with existing Group practice. However, given the increased reliance on digital systems in autonomous operations, owners are encouraged to engage closely with their Club and underwriters to assess their specific exposures and insurance needs.
A major step forward
The approval of the IMO MASS Code, combined with the Group’s position on pooling, marks a significant step forward for autonomous shipping. Autonomous vessels can now benefit from access to the established Group framework and its associated high limits of cover, offering continuity for shipowners while supporting innovation across the maritime sector.
The availability of pooling to all categories of MASS reflects the Group’s confidence that the existing framework of mutual P&I cover available through IG Clubs can respond effectively to the liabilities arising from autonomous shipping. Individual Clubs will continue to assess entries in accordance with their own underwriting criteria.
On behalf of its member Clubs, the Group will maintain active engagement with regulators, industry bodies and reinsurers to support the safe and sustainable development of autonomous shipping.
For further information, including individual Club policies on MASS, please contact your usual Club contact.
