IMO Adopts MASS Safety Code

The adoption of the new goal-based Code became the session’s most significant achievement, culminating years of intensive work by the Committee and specialized intersessional working groups to develop this instrument for regulating autonomous shipping. Experts from Russian Maritime Register of Shipping have been contributing to these efforts since the very beginning and through every stage of the process.

The MASS Code is a non-mandatory instrument, with an entry into effect date of July 1, 2026.

These insights will inform the development of a future mandatory code and the relevant provisions of the SOLAS Convention containing requirements for autonomous ships. Currently, the mandatory code and the associated SOLAS amendments are expected to be adopted in 2030 and to enter into force no later than January 1, 2032.

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Founded in 1913, Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) is a world-renowned classification society that operates within all spheres of the maritime industry with the goal of improving the operational and environmental safety of marine transportation. RS reviews technical documentation, surveys ships and offshore facilities under construction and in service, certifies vessels and companies for compliance with international conventions, recognizes and certifies industrial products and manufacturers, certifies quality management systems for compliance with international and national standards.

Today, RS is actively expanding its scope of services in the field of engineering and consulting, the development of technical documentation for vessels in service, marine warranty surveys, management system certification and recognition of manufacturers. In addition, RS surveys all container types, including tank containers and offshore containers, confirms compliance of packaging for dangerous goods, as well as renders services on the declaration and certification of dangerous goods and bulk cargoes.