Baku: Azerbaijan is taking significant steps to establish a legal framework for the operation of autonomous ships, with principles and regulations being formulated to govern their activities.

According to Azeri-Press News agency, the proposed amendments to the Merchant Shipping Code were discussed in a meeting of the Milli Majlis Committee on Economic Policy, Entrepreneurship, and Industry. These amendments outline the definition and operational requirements for autonomous ships, which are civilian vessels capable of navigating with automated control systems without needing continuous human intervention.

The draft specifies that autonomous ships can operate at high or full automation levels, with systems handling navigation control and response tasks. Owners of such ships must adhere to technical and software requirements, employ certified operators, and ensure the establishment of remote control centers for oversight. Regular software updates, cybersecurity measures, and security audits are mandated.

Requirements for autonomous ships and operators will be governed by Azerbaijan's Law on Transport and related international treaties. The Code's provisions regarding registration, state flag control, and navigation in territorial waters will apply to these ships. Autonomous ships will only operate in designated areas and operators must secure certification under the Law on Transport.

Operators are tasked with real-time data transmission and storage, ensuring compliance with the Law on Transport. The automated control system must include collision avoidance capabilities, and port movements are subject to port captain approval. The draft law was approved in its third reading.