The free movement of autonomous ships in the territorial waters of the Republic of Azerbaijan is not envisaged.
Sea-news.az reports that Vasif Amiraslanov, Head of the Transport Regulation Department at the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, stated this in an interview with Trend.
In his interview, V. Amiraslanov answered questions regarding the impact of the application of autonomous ships on operations in the maritime transport sector, ensuring their safe operation, the areas and routes in which they will operate, and other related issues.
V. Amiraslanov first discussed the advantages of introducing autonomous ships to maritime transport and the requirements their operations will be based on:
“As is known, amendments have been made to the Merchant Shipping Code regarding the application of autonomous transport systems. According to the novelty, the procedure for regulating the operation of autonomous ships has been determined. A regulatory, legal, technological, and institutional base has been established in this area. The application of autonomous ships can enable operations in the maritime transport sector to be carried out more efficiently, safely, and innovatively. These technologies create conditions for reducing human-induced errors and risks, managing navigation processes more precisely, optimizing routes, and lowering fuel consumption. At the same time, thanks to the application of modern digital solutions, the monitoring and management of vessel movement are carried out more effectively. While promoting the development of innovations in maritime transport, autonomous technologies can also contribute to improving the quality of logistics and cargo transportation. Nevertheless, the operations of autonomous ships will be organized based on the principles of safety, environmental protection, and state control, and their operation will be carried out exclusively in compliance with established requirements,” he stated.
The Ministry official also spoke about how the safe operation of autonomous ships will be ensured. He emphasized that ensuring the safe operation of an autonomous ship is one of the main priorities:
“To this end, before an autonomous ship is put into operation, its automated control system will be thoroughly evaluated in a special regulatory and testing environment, and will undergo technical and functional tests. The reliable operation of systems under various conditions, adequate response to emergency situations, and compliance with safety standards will be checked. In addition, the integration of automated control systems of autonomous vehicles with a management control center is envisaged, which will create real-time monitoring and control capabilities. Only systems that fully meet established safety requirements, technical standards, and regulatory rules will be permitted for use.”
Regarding how the management of autonomous ships will take place, Vasif Amiraslanov noted that this will be carried out through an automated control system:
“This system will perform movement, route selection, environmental observation, and other operational functions of the vessel based on various sensors, communication tools, and software. At the same time, the operations of autonomous ships will not be completely unsupervised. The participation of an operator who monitors the system’s operation and possesses the relevant certificate is envisaged. The operator will monitor the ship’s operation and have the ability to intervene or make additional decisions when necessary. The powers, responsibilities, and operating rules of the operator will be determined by relevant regulatory and legal acts. This approach serves to maintain human control alongside the introduction of innovative technologies and to raise the level of safety,” he stated.
In conclusion, the department head specifically emphasized that autonomous ships will not be able to move freely in the territorial waters of浦the Republic of Azerbaijan:
“The free movement of autonomous ships in the territorial waters of the Republic of Azerbaijan is not envisaged. Such ships will only be able to operate in areas and along routes determined by the authorized state body. The main purpose of applying such restrictions is to ensure the safe, controlled, and phased implementation of new technologies. When determining routes and operating zones, navigational safety, the movement of other maritime transport vehicles, environmental factors, and state interests will be taken into account. Although expanding application areas may be possible in the future based on experience and operational results, this process will be carried out solely on the basis of appropriate risk assessments and safety requirements,” he concluded his thoughts.
