Unmanned Ships: Coping in the Murky Waters of Traditional Maritime Law

Abstract

Technological development is advancing more rapidly than regulatory regimes. The adaptability of regulatory regimes and integration with technological advances are hindered by cumbersome legislative and bureaucratic processes. The wind of change which technology brings to the world has blown through the maritime industry as with many other industries. This article seeks to discuss the areas of maritime law which will be affected by the introduction of unmanned vessels and will consider ways to sidestep or deal with potential quagmires in the light of this inevitable technological development.