Autonomous Shipping Regime: Experts warn against fire brigade approach
Maritime experts have urged Nigerian authorities to begin preparations for the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) 2032 deadline for implementing the autonomous shipping regime, warning against a last-minute approach to the transition. The regime, established under the Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Code, is designed to provide a harmonised global framework for vessels operated remotely or with varying levels of human intervention. The Code was adopted as a voluntary framework at the IMO’s 111th session of the Maritime Safety Committee and is scheduled to become mandatory worldwide from January 1, 2032, under the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention. Speaking at the 2026 Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners, former Nigerian Ports Authority Executive Director, Captain Olugbemiga Abidoye, said modern port infrastructure alone would not guarantee maritime excellence. He noted that autonomous vessels were already being developed and tested globally, while Nigeria had yet to amend its maritime legislation to accommodate the technology and prepare ports to receive and support such ships.
Abidoye warned that with only six years remaining before the deadline, Nigeria needed to accelerate legislative reforms, communication system upgrades and inter-agency coordination, noting that these processes could take years to complete. He stressed that compliance with the MASS Code would require authorities to demonstrate safety outcomes rather than focus solely on purchasing equipment. Also speaking, former NPA General Manager for Marine and Operations, Captain Ihenach Ebubeogu, said efforts to modernise Nigerian ports must address the gap between technological advancement and infrastructure development. He called for the integration of terminal digitalisation, robotic cargo-handling systems and workforce development to ensure efficient port operations. The experts said early planning would be essential for Nigeria to align its maritime laws, technology, infrastructure and personnel with the evolving global shipping environment before autonomous vessels become subject to mandatory international standards.
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