Representatives from the flag, seaside as well as port authorities from China, Denmark, Finland, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Republic of Korea, as well as Singapore satisfied at a digital occasion on 4 August 2020 to introduce the MASSPorts campaign.
The occasion was signed up with by agents from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation as well as Lighthouse Authorities (IALA), along with International Association of Ports as well as Harbors (IAPH).
MASSPorts is a network created by similar states as well as companies to deal with the difficulties as well as accomplish positioning of criteria for the tests as well as procedure of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) in ports.

Representation– Image Credits: IMarEST
The network’s goals are to:
- Develop comprehensive standards as well as problems for MASS tests in port— MASSPorts must strive to settle on problems for MASS tests within their ports, which remain in line with IMO’s acting standards for MASS tests [See Point C].
- Establish typical terms, type as well as criteria of interaction, ship coverage as well as information exchange to improve inter-operability of systems throughout various ports— International transportation of vessels entails phone calls at various ports where vessels communicate with several stakeholders as well as systems. Vessels as well as ports have to be outfitted with framework that has typical terms, type as well as criteria for smooth procedure.
- Facilitate port-to-port MASS tests— Facilitate MASS tests to replicate the worldwide nature of delivery with the goal of confirming the recommended standards as well as problems for MASS tests, as well as the inter-operability of port-based systems. This permits the network to determine as well as deal with added difficulties of running MASS at different ports.
Ms Quah Ley Hoon, Chief Executive of the Maritime as well as Port Authority of Singapore, claimed, “Autonomous navigation is an important part of our plans to be a future-ready port. We see MASS having the potential to enhance navigational safety and increase productivity. We are glad to work with like-minded international partners who are aligned in shaping the future of the international shipping.”
Reference: mpa.gov.sg