Important amendments related to the application of autonomous transport systems and unmanned marine vehicles have been made to the Merchant Shipping Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The legal innovation in question was realized within the framework of the implementation of the “Action Plan for 2026-2028 on Accelerating Digital Development in the Republic of Azerbaijan,” approved by the Decree of President Ilham Aliyev dated February 27, 2026.
Sea-news.az reports that according to information provided by the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport (MDDT), the main purpose of the legislative amendment is to improve the legal regulation mechanisms for the use of autonomous ships in the maritime transport sector. It is also intended to align sectoral maritime legislation with international standards, increase the efficiency of public services, and form a regulatory legal, technological, and institutional base for the application of autonomous technologies at sea.
In the updated Code, fundamental maritime concepts such as “autonomous ship,” “operator,” and “remote control center” have been officially reflected for the first time for the regulation of the autonomous marine environment. High and fully automated levels of control, the technical indicators of the autonomous ship and its automated control systems, as well as the rights and duties of the operator and the shipowner, have been precisely defined in the legislation.
According to the law, an autonomous ship can be operated only in maritime waters determined by the authorized state body after being duly registered by the state. Any physical or legal person that has obtained the relevant certificate will acquire the right to act as an operator ensuring the automated control system of the autonomous ship.
During the operation process, the operator must exercise continuous control over the operation of the control system, immediately intervene in the event of any danger at sea, ensure the preservation of navigation data, and promptly inform the relevant maritime authorities if an incident occurs.
The shipowner or operator shall bear direct responsibility for the damage caused during the operation of the autonomous maritime transport vehicle. However, if it is proven that the damage occurred through the fault of the manufacturer, maintenance provider, or contracted operator, the owner may bring a regressive claim in accordance with the Civil Code. When the operator is a staff employee of the owner, the compensation for the damage caused will be regulated by the requirements of the relevant chapters of the Labor Code.
