EVENT DESCRIPTION
We are delighted to announce the resumption of our hybrid events in Halifax. Our inaugural event for 2025 in Halifax will focus on the challenges of autonomous surface ship operations, viewed from policy and legal perspectives. We are honored to welcome Professor Aldo Chircop as our esteemed guest speaker for this compelling and significant discussion.
Location : Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University, 6061 University Ave, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2 , Room 204 (2nd floor)
AGENDA
5:30 pm – 6:00 pm – Registration & networking
6:00 pm – 6:15 pm – Opening note
6:15 pm – 7:15 pm – Main Presentation
7:15 pm – 7:30 pm – Closing note
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm – Networking
Abstract
The international shipping industry and several countries are taking an active interest in the development of maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS), consisting of new technologies that will enable ships to be remotely operated from onshore centres or to be fully autonomous. Current regulations are premised on ships having crews and a captain on board, with decision-making and on navigation and vessel control occurring onboard. MASS are challenging thinking on how crewless ships should be regulated for safety, security and environment protection. Currently, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a United Nations specialized agency based in London, UK, is in the process of developing first generation international standards and regulations for MASS. This presentation explains the policy and legal challenges facing the regulation of ‘robot ships’.
SPEAKER/PRESENTER
Professor Aldo Chircop, JSD, is Professor of Law and former Canada Research Chair in Maritime Law and Policy (Tier I), based at the Marine & Environmental Law Institute (MELAW), Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada. Originally from Malta, his career has spanned four decades. His research and teaching interests are in the fields of Canadian and international maritime law, international law of the sea, international environmental law, port law, and Arctic shipping. Currently he is Chair of the International Working Group on Polar Shipping of the Comité Maritime International and has advised or produced reports for several governments, UN and other intergovernmental organizations, NGOs, industry bodies and law firms. Professor Chircop has received various academic and professional awards and published extensively. His most recent book is The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships: A Commentary (H. Ringbom & A. Chircop, eds.; Edward Elgar Publishing, 2025, https://www.e-elgar.com/shop/isbn/9781803921372).
This is a free event, all are welcome.
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