Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (closed)
Context
Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) as well as the interrelated themes of connectivity, automation, digitalization, robotics, and big data will fundamentally re-shape the marine sector – both domestically and internationally. These innovations represent an important opportunity to enhance Canada’s economic competitiveness and the efficiency of our trade corridors, strengthen maritime safety and security, and contribute to jobs and growth opportunities for Canadians. However, they will also be extremely disruptive. Starting in this decade, these innovations will impact labour opportunities, employment, energy use, emissions, and the skills and knowledge Canadians need to compete globally in the marine sector.
The development of highly automated vessel technologies represents an important and emerging global economic opportunity, from which Canada is well-positioned to benefit. Canada already possesses a highly-educated workforce that has extensive experience developing automated technologies for the automotive and drone sectors. This MASS-enabled shift is expected to result in the creation of high-quality jobs, especially within the domains of computer science, artificial intelligence, and aerospace infrastructure (e.g., satellite communications).
MASS operations for large (international) commercial vessels will be regulated through the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which has initiated regulatory scoping exercises, including under the Maritime Safety Committee and the Facilitation Committee, in which Canada is participating in both, as well as the Legal Committee, which Canada is leading.
What we are looking to advance
The feedback that you provide will help us to shape the future of regulations within the MASS sector.
How to participate
We are seeking your feedback using the consultation tools below by March 31, 2023.
Sharing your views using this platform provides an opportunity to engage in conversation with others; however, if you prefer to share your views using email, please email BlueEconomy-EconomieBleue@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
We may follow-up with you to explore your input in more detail and may share your comments with other teams, departments or governments, where relevant. Input received that falls outside of the scope of this consultation will be shared with the relevant regulator(s) for their information.
For assistance
Visit the Let's Talk Federal Regulations 101 Page to learn how:
- to use the platform
- to register and provide comments
- how the feedback will be reported back
For technical assistance, visit Technical Support.