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Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships

  • Overview

As a part of this group, you will be discussing early-stage research and technologies that can be used in defence, energy, and oceanography (US led) and in the skills needs for this emerging area (Europe led). 

The group is interested in both unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) which are controlled remotely, and autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs) which are self-sufficient and once deployed do not require any operator intervention. Both types of automated vehicles can be utilised widely in the marine sector from research and environmental monitoring programmes to naval and defence applications. The benefits provided will likely result in an expansion in marine autonomous and unmanned systems across multiple marine disciplines. 

If you are interested in joining the group, log in to My IMarEST and select the group from the list.

Accountability in an autonomous era_NL (2).jpg
07 Oct 2026

From MASS code to maritime practice

Liam Talbot, co-chair of our MASS Special Interest Group discusses the challenges in taking new IMO rules from policy to practice. 

Blog - Technical & Policy
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02 Oct 2024

Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships Report: September 2024

Report
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02 Apr 2024

Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships Quarterly Report: 2023 - 2024

Report
07 Dec 2023

A Letter from the new Co-Chairs

SIG News

 

      

SIG officers

Dr Julius Partridge MIMarEST

Chair

Dr Panagiotis Stavrakakis CSci CEng FIMarEST

Chair

Lt Cdr Liam Talbot CEng CMarEng MIMarEST

Chair

Upcoming events

Ship
Free External
12 October 2026

Engineering on Tap: Regulations of Autonomous Maritime Systems

A branch event by the IMarEST's Western Joint Branch.

Branch event Bristol, UK
IMarEST Technical Forum 2026.png
15 October 2026

IMarEST Technical Forum

Our inaugural technical forum brings our Special Interest Groups together for a day of networking, collaboration, and a behind-the-scenes tour of one of the world's leading marine research facilities.

SIG event Wallingford, Oxfordshire
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External
20 – 22 October 2026

Crew Connect Global

IMarEST supported event Manila, Philippines
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Free
21 October 2026

Shipbuilding Heritage of Bengal: A Legacy Still Afloat

A webinar by the History Society.

Society event Online
About IMarEST

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