Autonomous and Unmanned Vessels in International Law: Yara Birkeland as a Challenge to the Law of the Sea

Project Information

P-ADMIRAL

Grant agreement ID: 101038097

DOI

10.3030/101038097

Project closed

EC signature date 29 November 2021

Start date 1 January 2022

End date 29 March 2025

Funded under

• SPREADING EXCELLENCE AND WIDENING PARTICIPATION

Total cost

€ 149 625,60

EU contribution

€ 149 625,60

Coordinated by

UNIWERSYTET JAGIELLONSKI
Poland

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - P-ADMIRAL (Autonomous and Unmanned Vessels in International Law: Yara Birkeland as a Challenge to the Law of the Sea)

Reporting period: 2022-01-01 to 2023-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Context and Objectives
The P-ADMIRAL project addressed the legal challenges posed by autonomous and unmanned vessels in international law. As the maritime industry moves towards automation, the existing legal framework struggles to keep pace with technological advancements. Questions arise regarding liability, compliance with international conventions, and the adaptation of maritime safety and security regulations. Understanding and resolving these legal uncertainties is crucial, as autonomous ships are expected to improve efficiency, reduce human error, and contribute to the decarbonization of shipping. However, without clear legal provisions, their widespread implementation remains uncertain. The project's primary objectives were to analyze how current law of the sea and international maritime law apply to autonomous vessels, identify legal gaps, and propose regulatory solutions.

Key Findings and Conclusions
The research confirmed that international law does not yet adequately address the operation of autonomous ships, particularly in areas such as compliance with the IMO’s legal framework, liability allocation, and law enforcement at sea. The findings, disseminated through academic publications, conferences, and industry engagement, provide a foundation for future regulatory development.

Through extensive dissemination activities—including publications, media outreach, and stakeholder engagement—the project has contributed to raising awareness and fostering dialogue among policymakers, industry leaders, and legal scholars. The insights generated will support ongoing efforts to adapt international maritime law to emerging technological realities.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Work Performed and Main Results
From the start of the P-ADMIRAL project to its conclusion, extensive research was conducted on the legal challenges posed by autonomous and unmanned vessels under international law. The project systematically analyzed existing maritime regulations, assessed their applicability to emerging autonomous technologies, and identified gaps requiring legal adaptation.

The project resulted in seven high-impact academic publications, including peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, all contributing to the scholarly discourse on maritime autonomy. Additionally, the researcher engaged in multiple dissemination activities beyond academic publications, including media outreach, industry conferences, and stakeholder engagement. Notable efforts included articles in specialized maritime press, interviews, and participation in expert panels, ensuring broad accessibility of the research findings.

The findings have already influenced discussions in international legal forums and policy circles, contributing to the evolving regulatory landscape for autonomous shipping. Through networking, conferences, and advisory roles, the project fostered collaborations that extend beyond its duration, positioning its outcomes for continued impact on legal scholarship and maritime regulation.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Progress Beyond the State of the Art and Expected Impact

The P-ADMIRAL project has advanced legal scholarship by systematically addressing the regulatory challenges of autonomous and unmanned vessels, a topic at the forefront of maritime and international law. It moved beyond existing doctrinal analyses by integrating empirical insights and interdisciplinary perspectives, bridging the gap between technological advancements and legal frameworks. The research provided a structured assessment of the gaps in current maritime regulations and proposed pathways for their adaptation, contributing to policy discussions at both national and international levels.

By the project’s conclusion, key results included comprehensive legal analyses, high-impact academic publications, and engagement with stakeholders from academia, industry, and regulatory bodies. The project’s influence extended beyond academic circles, as findings were disseminated through industry publications, interviews, and expert panels, ensuring practical relevance.

The socio-economic impact of P-ADMIRAL lies in its contribution to the safe and legally sound integration of autonomous vessels into global shipping, with potential benefits for efficiency, environmental sustainability, and maritime safety. Societally, the research informs policymakers, industry leaders, and legal practitioners, supporting well-founded regulatory developments that balance innovation with legal certainty.

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